RIYADH: The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen on Wednesday welcomed the UN’s move to inspect the ports of Hodeidah to ensure that they are not used militarily, Saudi state TV reported. On Tuesday, the UN Mission to Support the Hodeida Agreement demanded the inspection of the three ports in Hodeidah, saying it “stands ready to address concerns pertaining to any militarization of the ports.” Hodeidah port is a landing station for foreign fighters and ballistic missiles, the coalition said, adding the UN must ensure that foreign fighters do not flow in and that weapons do not reach the Red Sea port city. “We will act operationally for self-defense and for military necessity when the militarization of the ports continues,” the coalition said. UNMHA had expressed “great concern” over claims Hodeidah was being used for military purposes, and demanded access for an inspection, adding that the port was a vital aid route for the impoverished country. Later on Wednesday, the coalition said it has destroyed a helicopter that was transported by the Iran-backed Houthi militia from Sanaa airport to the southern Marib front. The coalition said it is monitoring the transfer of weapons to the frontlines, and that the Houthis must stop any such attempts. (With AP and AFP)