Saudi-led coalition attacks Yemen's key port of Hodeidah

ADEN, Yemen - A Saudiled coalition launched an assault on Yemen's main port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday in the biggest battle of a three-year war between an alliance of Arab states and the Houthi militants.

Coalition warplanes and warships pounded Houthi fortifications to support ground operations by Yemeni troops massed south of the country's largest port, the Yemeni government in exile said.

The "Golden Victory" operation began after the passing of a deadline set by the United Arab Emirates for the Houthis, who hold the capital Sanaa and the main populated areas of Yemen, to quit the sole port under their control.