The Saudi-led invasion of Yemen has entered its fifth year this week. Those first four years saw predictions of a quick victory turned into a massive civilian death toll, constant airstrikes, food and medicine shortages, and a cholera outbreak worse than any in human history.



Calling it war weariness would be putting it mildly, as tens of thousands took to the streets in many Yemeni cities to condemn the Saudis for invading, condemn the US for backing the Saudis, and to express support for the Houthis and other groups resisting the invasion.



Slogans were chanting, and protesters said that whether it takes five years or fifty, Yemenis will remain steadfast in resisting foreign control. The rallies were present even in cities in particularly war-torn situations, like the port of Hodeidah.



Immediate problems, beyond intense Saudi airstrikes against hospitals and schools, are food shortages. Yemen grows almost no food of its own, and imports are next to impossible with the Saudis blockading the coast and having occupied all the port cities beyond Hodeidah.



This last port, Hodeidah, is responsible for importing about 70% of the food for the entire country, and Saudi forces are keen to take it as well.





Author: Jason Ditz Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz