Yemen Port Assault Could Lead To 'catastrophe': Russia

Russia warned on Thursday that an offensive against the Yemeni port city of Hodeida could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for the entire war-ravaged country

Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :Russia warned on Thursday that an offensive against the Yemeni port city of Hodeida could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for the entire war-ravaged country.

Yemeni forces backed by a coalition launched an assault on Wednesday to retake the rebel-held city, which is a key aid hub.

The Red Sea port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished country's imports as it teeters on the brink of famine.

"The offensive against Hodeida risks triggering catastrophic consequences for all of Yemen," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The peaceful population may find itself "on the brink of death" if the fightingleads to a blockade of the port, the statement said.