Throughout February, forces aligned to the Hadi government continued their advance into Hodeidah governorate, announcing the capture of a second district and coming within 100km by road from the vital port city of Hodeidah. The status of the port itself remained unclear, as imports continued to be processed by the end of the month despite the expiration of a second 30-day extension by the coalition on February 19. The Houthi Revolutionary Committee published a peace initiative sent to the UN and Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam remained abroad, with talks set to take place in Oman with incoming Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. However, as anti-Houthi forces continue to make moderate gains in several areas of the country, there is little indication either side is ready to make concessions.
