Yemen rebels seize major Red Sea port city

Yemeni rebels have seized a major port city to add to their fast-expanding territory, just hours after a new premier was named in a bid to resolve the political crisis. The Huthi Shiite rebels met little resistance as they overran Hudeida late Monday, taking control of Yemen’s second most important seaport, a security official said. ‘Huthi militants are deployed across vital installations, including the airport and the port,’ the official said.

Military and rebel sources confirmed that Huthi militants were seen deployed across main roads in the city, which is home to more than two million people. Witnesses and local sources said the militants had set up checkpoints at the city’s main entrances, while a security guard was reported dead when the rebels seized a court building. A local official said that the Huthis had captured an arms depot near Hudeida before they launched their offensive.