As tensions continued to rise between U.S. and Gulf states on one hand and Iran and its regional allies on other, Huthis increased pace of cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia, provoking Riyadh to step up bombing on Huthi areas in Yemen especially on capital Sanaa; further attacks could fuel escalation in July (see Iran). Huthis launched missile and drone strikes on Abha and Najran airports in Saudi Arabia, attacking Abha airport 12, 14, 15 and 23 June. In retaliation, Riyadh intensified bombing campaign in Huthi areas, particularly Sanaa. U.S. late May said Huthi cross-border attacks were part of Iranian regional campaign against Saudi and U.S. interests; Saudi officials described Huthis as Iran-backed terrorists. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has drawn down some forces along Red Sea coast, removed heavy weaponry from Hodeida and repatriated missile system, likely mitigating immediate risk that major fighting resumes in Hodeida. Following govt’s criticism of UN in wake of Huthi unilateral redeployment from Red Sea ports mid-May, international pressure on President Hadi helped avert collapse of UN-led effort to demilitarise Hodeida. After Hadi late May said he would meet UN Envoy Martin Griffiths, Griffiths 26 June met VP al-Ahmar to discuss implementation of Dec 2018 Stockholm Agreement. U.S. 16 June said Huthi surface-to-air missile had 6 June shot down U.S. drone over Yemen. World Food Programme 20 June began phased suspension of food aid deliveries in Huthi-controlled territory after negotiations between WFP and Huthi leadership repeatedly failed to resolve issue of Huthi aid diversion. Fighting reported 20 June around Ataq, capital of Shabwa governorate, between govt and UAE-backed secessionist forces, followed by pro-secessionist protests. Fighting also reported in Hodeida, Hajja, al-Dhale and al-Bayda governorates; pro-govt forces 27 June repelled Huthi offensive targeting residential areas in Hodeida outskirts, reportedly inflicting heavy casualties. Saudi military 25 June announced capture of Abu Osama al-Muhajer, Islamic State’s (ISIS) leader in Yemen, and three other associates.

Huthis launched drone strikes on oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia and fighting escalated on several fronts in Yemen; military escalation and rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran raise risk of worse fighting in Yemen and more Huthi attacks on Saudi and Emirati assets in coming weeks. Huthis unilaterally redeployed from Hodeida, Ras Issa and Saleef ports 11-14 May under UN monitoring. Saudi-led coalition reportedly consented to Huthi move, but govt accused UN of Huthi bias; govt 23 May sent letter to UN Sec-Gen criticising UN envoy Martin Griffiths. Cross-border attacks intensified: Huthis claimed drone attacks in Saudi Arabia on oil pipeline 14 May, on Najran airport 21 and 23 May (latter was intercepted), and on airport in Jizan 26 May (also intercepted). Saudi Arabia accused Iran of guiding Huthi actions, and 20 May accused Huthis of targeting Jeddah and Mecca with ballistic missiles that Saudi military intercepted; Huthis denied cities were targets. Saudi Arabia 16 May launched airstrikes targeting Sanaa in apparent retaliation for drone attacks, reportedly causing civilian deaths. Fighting on other front lines intensified; clashes took place in Durayhimi district south of Hodeida city; battles between United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed southern forces and Huthis continued in al-Dhale, Abyan and Lahj governorates; fighting reportedly intensified near Sanaa and in Taiz, and along Saudi border. Tensions between rival factions in anti-Huthi bloc persisted; govt publicly denounced UAE influence after UAE-backed forces 8 May landed on Socotra, Yemeni island in Arabian Sea; local media reported that members of Presidential Guard clashed with UAE-backed forces in al-Dhale.

Fighting escalated along multiple front lines as negotiations over military redeployments around Hodeida remained stalled, increasing risk that fighting resumes there, while tensions within anti-Huthi camp could spark further conflict in south. Govt and Huthi delegates to UN-led Redeployment Coordination Committee, body tasked with implementing Hodeida agreement, agreed plan for first phase of redeployments 13 April. But both govt and Huthis said phase one will not take place until they agree on phase two redeployments and on composition of local security forces due to control of city and ports after redeployments. Violence around Hodeida continued while clashes escalated along Red Sea coast, in particular in Tuhayta and Hays districts. UK FM Hunt 26 April held meeting in London with Saudi and Emirati counterparts and U.S. and UN representatives to discuss next steps in UN-led process. Fighting intensified across much of country, including in Hajja governorate in north west along border with Saudi Arabia, and in al-Jawf governorate in north. Coalition airstrikes on capital Sanaa 10 April reportedly killed thirteen, highest number of civilian casualties in capital in over a year. Clashes between Huthis and southern fighters also intensified in al-Dalia governorate in south. Secessionists allied to Southern Transitional Council (STC), organisation working for secession of south, accused army of withdrawing from key positions and ceding ground to Huthis, exacerbating tensions between rival factions in anti-Huthi bloc. President Hadi 13 April held parliamentary session in Seyoun in east; pro-STC activists organised protests against meeting, having said they would block proposed session in Aden. Huthis also opposed what they called “illegitimate” session on grounds that it did not meet quorum; Huthis responded with elections for 24 parliamentary seats in areas they controlled. U.S. President Trump 16 April vetoed War Powers Resolution that would have withdrawn U.S. support to Saudi-led coalition, despite U.S. Congress passing bipartisan bill 5 April.

Fighting escalated in Taiz and Hajja governorates and continued elsewhere, and implementation of Dec Stockholm Agreement stalled, raising risk that warring parties resume combat around Hodeida port and city. Govt and Huthis failed to redeploy forces away from front-line positions in and around Hodeida, as agreed in Feb, as both sides raised objections to redeployment plan; primary point of contention was composition of local security forces due to assume control of city and ports after redeployment. UK FM Hunt 3 March warned Stockholm process “could be dead within weeks” if sides did not stick to commitments. U.S. Envoy Matthew Tueller 21 March publicly blamed Huthis for delays in implementation and said weapons in non-state actors’ possession posed threat to “neighbouring countries”. Huthis 17 March said they had intelligence that Saudi-led coalition planned to escalate violence in Hodeida and that they were ready to strike capitals of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates if implementation of deal is breached. Other components of Stockholm Agreement also remained stalled, including prisoner exchange and talks over contested city of Taiz in south. Fighting escalated in Taiz in second part of month between nominally allied pro-govt Yemeni groups; medical facilities late March received two dead and 49 wounded in four days. After flaring in Feb, fighting intensified in Hajja governorate in north west between al-Hajour tribes and Huthis; UN 11 March reported 22 civilians killed in attacks in Hajja’s Kushar district, and Saudi-led coalition reported Huthi shelling of houses killed several tribesmen. Huthis prevailed in Kushar, allegedly killing several key local leaders. NGO Save the Children said missile 26 March struck petrol station near entrance to hospital it supports about 100km from Saada in north killing seven people, including four children; U.S. 28 March urged Saudi-led coalition to conduct transparent investigation into bombing. U.S. Senate 13 March adopted resolution aimed at ending U.S. support to Saudi-led coalition in Yemen; legislation President Trump has said he would veto. Germany 6 March extended temporary ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia until end month, citing concerns over Saudi Arabia’s conduct in Yemen.

Govt and Huthis agreed to redeploy their forces from front-line positions in and around Hodeida, opening opportunity in coming weeks to implement deal, but disagreement over details could lead to breakdown of talks and trigger fighting in and around city, and intense fighting along and across Yemen-Saudi border could escalate further. Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN, govt and Huthis reached deal 16 Feb on first phase of redeployments by both sides from Red Sea ports and infrastructure around Hodeida. But debate over who will secure Hodeida once both sides have made redeployments delayed implementation. World Food Programme 26 Feb regained access, blocked for five months by fighting, to Red Sea Mills, major wheat facility in outskirts of Hodeida. UAE FM Gargash 3 Feb called for implementation of Dec Stockholm Agreement and to make 2019 “the year of peace in Yemen”. “Quad” comprising Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.S. and UK 13 Feb denounced Iranian support for Huthis and blamed latter for lack of progress in implementation of Dec agreement. Fighting intensified on Yemen-Saudi border, with govt and Huthis claiming military successes in Hajja, Saada and al-Jawf governorates; clashes escalated in Hajja in north west between al-Hajour tribesmen and Huthis. Huthi Head of Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendum (SCER) in Huthi-held capital Sanaa 1 Feb announced plans to hold elections to fill vacant seats in parliament; President Hadi 3 Feb said he would relocate SCER headquarters to Aden, as he moves to reconvene parliament in temporary capital. In Mukalla in east, Southern Transitional Council (STC), organisation working for secession of south, 16-17 Feb held third meeting of what it calls its National Assembly; its chair warned Hadi that STC would block any attempt to convene parliament in Aden. U.S. House of Representatives 13 Feb adopted resolution aimed at ending U.S. support for Saudi-led coalition. Saudi FM al-Jubeir 10 Feb denounced congressional efforts to curtail U.S. allies’ fight against “terrorist organisations supported by Iran and Hezbollah”. Moroccan officials 7 Feb said Morocco had frozen its involvement in Saudi-led coalition.

Despite hundreds of reported infractions, fragile ceasefire in Hodeida port city stemming from Stockholm Agreement in Dec eased fighting there and offers chance for further de-escalation in Feb; but collapse of deal or too slow implementation could see battle for city resume. UN Security Council 16 Jan unanimously approved creation of UN Mission to support the Hodeida Agreement (UNMHA), mandating 75 monitors to oversee implementation of agreement and ceasefire initially for six months. Govt-aligned and Huthi forces failed to redeploy from Hodeida by 8 Jan deadline. Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) – group comprising UN, govt and Huthis to oversee implementation of Hodeida agreement – yet to agree on ceasefire terms and joint verification mechanisms for redeployment. Third RCC meeting failed to convene because Huthis refused to meet in coalition-controlled territory. UN Envoy Martin Griffiths shuttled between capital Sanaa and Saudi capital Riyadh late Jan, reportedly securing both sides’ buy-in for redeployment plan. UN 24 Jan said it would replace RCC chair, retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert, in Feb. Talks between Huthis and govt in Jordan 16 Jan on possible prisoner exchange ended without final agreement, but sides agreed on timeline for future steps, reportedly including second meeting in Jordan in coming week. In letter to UN Security Council 17 Jan, UAE restated commitment to Stockholm Agreement, but also warned it would resume hostilities if no progress made on redeployment. Suspected mortar fire 24 Jan started fire that damaged vital World Food Programme wheat storage, milling and distribution facility on Hodeida’s outskirts. Huthi media 30 Jan reported coalition airstrikes in Hodeida governorate in breach of ceasefire; UAE said airstrikes outside ceasefire zone; FM Gargash 30 Jan said coalition prepared to use “more calibrated force” to pressure Huthi compliance with Stockholm Agreement. Germany 16 Jan pledged €5.4mn (about $6.2mn) to help create UN office to support civilian aspects of Hodeida agreement, including administration of Hodeida, Salif and Ras Issa ports and demining. UK 22 Jan pledged £2.5mn (about $3.3mn) for same purpose. U.S. lawmakers 30 Jan re-introduced bipartisan resolution to end U.S. support for Saudi-led coalition in Yemen; two-thirds majority needed in both houses of Congress to overrule potential presidential veto. In continued fighting, Huthi drone 10 Jan hit military parade in Lahj province, killing three senior military officials; govt 15 Jan claimed to have arrested Huthis responsible. Coalition 19 Jan launched airstrikes on Huthi military targets in Sanaa. Heavy fighting took place during month at key frontlines, including on Saudi-Yemeni border, around Taiz city in south, and in Damt district, al-Dhalea governorate. Local media early Jan reported clashes between rival southern Yemeni groups in Shabwa governorate.

At UN-led peace consultations in Sweden, govt and Huthis agreed to redeploy forces from Hodeida city and port, and wider Red Sea trade corridor. If ceasefire in Hodeida governorate holds, further talks planned for Jan could open path to wider de-escalation, but if it fails or implementation falters, rival forces could restart battle for Hodeida port and city. Consultations led by UN special envoy Martin Griffiths 6-13 Dec culminated in Stockholm Agreement comprising agreement on Hodeida city and Hodeida, Salif and Ras Issa ports; agreement for prisoner exchange; and statement of understanding on city of Taiz. Texts said parties made deals for humanitarian purposes only and are not to be seen as part of broader political process. Hodeida and ports agreement includes ceasefire; redeployment of all forces from city and ports to agreed-upon locations within 21 days of start of ceasefire; and agreement for revenue from ports to flow to Hodeida branch of Central Bank. Parties agreed to reconvene in Jan in yet to be agreed location to discuss framework for political negotiations. Ceasefire in Hodeida governorate took effect 18 Dec and held with mostly minor violations till end-month. UN Security Council 21 Dec passed UK-drafted resolution that calls on all parties to uphold Stockholm Agreement; on UN to oversee implementation; and on parties to keep working with UN envoy Griffiths to stabilise economy and reopen Sanaa airport. Resolution approves 30-day deployment of UN team to monitor ceasefire in Hodeida region. UN source and Huthis 29 Dec said Huthi forces had begun redeploying from Hodeida port as per Stockholm Agreement. Redeployment Coordination Committee including govt and Huthi representatives will oversee ceasefire and demilitarisation, and report weekly to UN Security Council. In largely symbolic move, U.S. Senate 13 Dec passed bill that, if enacted, would end all U.S. military support for Saudi-led campaign in Yemen. New U.S. House of Representatives will consider legislation in 2019.

UN-led talks between warring parties expected early Dec offer chance to restart negotiations toward political settlement, but fighting could also escalate in coming weeks, especially in Huthi-held Hodeida. Yemeni forces backed by United Arab Emirates (UAE) 31 Oct launched new offensive along Red Sea coast, moving from south of Hodeida to encircle eastern half of city, within striking distance of port. Saudi-led coalition 15 Nov reported “pause” in offensive, in apparent response to calls from international community. UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths 16 Nov told UN Security Council that warring parties had given “firm assurances” of their commitment to attend peace talks. Huthis 19 Nov said they would cease drone and missile attacks on coalition forces at Griffiths’s request and said they were ready for broader ceasefire. Fighting continued in north, most intensely along Yemen-Saudi Arabia border. Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting four ballistic missiles fired by Huthis into Mareb governorate mid-Nov. Hodeida residents 20 Nov reported fighting around city had increased. As part of continued push for talks, Griffiths 22-23 Nov met Huthi leader Abdulmalik al-Huthi in capital Sanaa and Huthi officials in Hodeida. U.S. Sec Defense Mattis 9 Nov said U.S. would no longer refuel Saudi-led coalition aircraft in support of “decision by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after consultations with the U.S. Government”. U.S. Senate 29 Nov voted to advance resolution ending U.S. support for Saudi-led coalition. UK FM Hunt 13 Nov said he had brokered deal with Saudi Arabia for evacuation of injured Huthi fighters from Sanaa to Muscat as part of confidence-building measures. UN Security Council 20 Nov began debate on UK’s draft resolution aimed at humanitarian objectives; Saudi-led coalition told allies that new resolution was unhelpful. UN 23 Oct warned of imminent famine, increasing estimate of people severely food insecure from 8 to 14 million. UN World Food Programme 27 Nov warned of “nearly 50% decrease in operations at Hodeida port over last two weeks … because of the high levels of insecurity in the city”. Saudi Arabia and UAE 20 Nov announced joint pledge of $500mn in aid.

Campaign by UAE-backed Yemeni forces to strangle Huthi-held Hodeida city slowed, as UN envoy pursued confidence-building measures to improve conditions ahead of possible new talks in Nov; fighting could escalate in Nov around Hodeida and on other frontlines. UAE-backed forces continued efforts to surround Hodeida and squeeze Huthi supply lines, pushing as far north as Kilo 16, junction linking city with road to capital Sanaa. Campaign appeared to have slowed mid-Oct, but Saudi-led coalition had reportedly deployed reinforcements around Hodeida by end Oct, possibly signalling forthcoming escalation. New frontlines threatened delivery of humanitarian aid to north, where conditions worst, and aid storage facilities around Hodeida. In south, separatist group Southern Transitional Council (STC) 3 Oct called for uprising against govt in Aden and southern provinces. Govt urged STC to stop mobilising non-state military units and join political process. Pressure from Saudi Arabia on separatists calmed situation. After UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths’ planned consultations with warring parties failed to start in Sept, he worked toward bringing parties together in Nov, again to build consensus on framework for peace talks. U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis 30 Oct called for ceasefire within 30 days. U.S. Sec State Pompeo 31 Oct echoed statement, calling for missile and drone strikes from Huthi-controlled areas into Saudi Arabia and UAE to stop and “subsequently” for Saudi-led coalition airstrikes to cease in all populated areas. Griffiths worked to roll out confidence-building measures, including opening air routes from Sanaa airport to evacuate patients with chronic conditions, prisoner exchanges, evacuation of injured Huthi fighters, and payment of civil service salaries. Huthis 3 Oct released two sons of ex-President Saleh, who were transferred to Jordan. Saudi Arabia and UAE 23 Oct donated $70mn to UNICEF program that pays salaries of 135,000 Yemeni teachers. Saudi Arabia 2 Oct announced $200mn deposit in Central Bank to stabilise Yemeni riyal, but price of goods such as diesel and cooking oil continued to rise. President Hadi 14 Oct replaced PM Bin Daghr over failure to stem economic deterioration.

UN-led consultations planned for early Sept failed to start and fighting escalated on outskirts of Huthi-held port city of Hodeida raising risk of further escalation in Oct; but opportunities to mediate confidence-building measures remain. Huthi representatives 8 Sept told team of UN envoy Martin Griffiths they would not leave capital Sanaa for talks in Geneva; they asked to travel in Omani instead of UN plane and to take wounded with them, but complications arose in negotiating details of procedure among Saudi-led coalition, Omanis and Huthis. Griffiths continued efforts to bring parties to talks; 18 Sept announced Saudi-led coalition would allow flights to leave Sanaa to evacuate those in need of urgent medical care. Forces backed by United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Red Sea coast early Sept launched assault to take control of road between Hodeida and Sanaa and 12 Sept claimed they had captured it; Huthis later said they had retaken it. Huthi rebels 30 Sept claimed they had launched attacks on Dubai international airport and boats off coast of Saudi port city Jizan. UAE 14 Sept delivered letter to UN Security Council arguing only way to bring Huthis to negotiating table was to continue offensive on Hodeida. Saudi-led coalition 1 Sept acknowledged that it had made mistakes in Aug airstrike on school bus in north that left 51 dead, including 40 children. Amid growing international criticism of coalition’s conduct in Yemen, U.S. Sec State Pompeo 11 Sept defended campaign, telling Congress that “Saudi Arabia and UAE are undertaking demonstrable actions to reduce the risk of harm … resulting from military operations”. UN Human Rights Council 28 Sept voted to extend international probe into alleged war crimes committed in country; govt, Saudi Arabia and UAE denounced decision.