MEIFA HAGR, Yemen — Northern forces have closed in on the port of Mukalla, a key southern stronghold, after consolidating their hold on the Indian Ocean coast that separates the city from the south's capital of Aden.
Northern officials say the leader of the southern revolt is trapped in the Mukalla area. The claim has not been confirmed but was strengthened Sunday when a U.N. envoy who has been talking with both sides about a cease-fire flew to Mukalla.
