Riyadh will delay attack on Yemen's Hodeida port

Significance

The Saudi-led coalition's much-publicised plan to launch a military attack against the main Red Sea port of Hodeida, currently controlled by Huthi militants and their allies, is undergoing a major rethink. There are concerns about insufficient ground troops, the triggering of famine and reputational damage.

Impacts

• Given existing blockages and financial shortfalls, famine is a major risk.
• There are growing fears of a cholera epidemic.
• Yemen will be a key agenda item in US President Donald Trump's upcoming Riyadh visit.
• Rising internal tensions in southern Yemen could complicate discussions.