coalition to tighten its blockade of Yemen.

♤ The coalition said it wanted to halt the smuggling of weapons to the rebels by Iran - an accusation Tehran denied - but the UN said the restrictions could trigger "the largest famine the world has seen for many decades".

♤ Although the coalition eased its restrictions on rebel-held ports after several weeks, the extended closures resulted in a sharp increase in prices of basic commodities, accelerating food insecurity and the collapse of already basic services.

♤ In Novemebr 2017, Mr Saleh offered to "turn a new page" with the Saudi-led coalition if it stopped attacking Yemen and ended its blockade. The Houthis responded by accusing him of a "coup" against "an alliance he never believed in".

♤ In December 2017 it was announced that Mr Saleh had been killed in an attack on his convoy as he attempted to flee the capital.

5.3.1. Implications

♤ Almost three years of fighting appears to have entrenched both sides, while three UN- organised efforts to negotiate a peace deal have failed.