World

Yemeni forces say they seized Hodeida airport runway

20 of June 2018

FILE - This Saturday, June 16, 2018 file still image taken from video provided by Arab 24 shows Saudi-led forces gathering to retake the international airport of Yemen's rebel-held port city of Hodeida from the Shiite Houthi rebels. With battles raging at the southern side of al-Hodeida International Airport, the military of Yemen's exiled government said it had entirely seized the facility, and that engineers were working to clear mines from nearby areas just south of the city of some 600,000 people on the Red Sea. (Arab 24 via AP, File),FILE - This Saturday, June 16, 2018 file still image taken from video provided by Arab 24 shows Saudi-led forces gathering to retake the international airport of Yemen's rebel-held port city of Hodeida from the Shiite Houthi rebels. With battles raging at the southern side of al-Hodeida International Airport, the military of Yemen's exiled government said it had entirely seized the facility, and that engineers were working to clear mines from nearby areas just south of the city of some 600,000 people on the Red Sea. (Arab 24 via AP, File)

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Yemeni government forces backed by the United Arab Emirates say they have seized the southern runway of the international airport near the Yemeni city of Hodeida.

The military released a statement as fighting rages around Hodeida between pro-government fighters backed by a Saudi-led coalition that includes the UAE and Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels.

The Amaleqa brigades said in a statement they have been advancing toward an area near Kilo 16 road, aiming to cut off the link between Hodeida and the capital Sanaa.

Meanwhile, Yemeni officials say fierce battles are raging in the ad-Durayhimi district outside Hodeida, about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) south of the airport.

The coalition began its assault last week. Hodeida is the main entry point for food and aid to Yemen.