Following Attack on Saudi Ship, Military Coalition Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen
A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition has struck targets belonging to the Houthi militia in Yemen's Hodeidah. The coalition stated that the strikes were in retaliation for the attack on a vessel sailing under the Saudi flag.
Following an attack on a ship in the Red Sea, the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition announced it had conducted airstrikes against targets in Yemen. The coalition holds the Iran-backed Houthi militia responsible for the attack on the Saudi-flagged vessel and accuses it of "maritime terrorism."
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki stated on X that the targets were "legitimate military targets" belonging to the Houthis in Yemen's Hodeidah province, linked to threats against shipping traffic in the Red Sea. He said the now-completed military operation had been proportionate and had achieved its operational objectives. The port of Hodeidah had not been struck.
Houthis Target Saudi Merchant Vessels
Pro-Houthi media had reported airstrikes in Hodeidah. Reports indicated that facilities belonging to the state telecommunications company in Hodeidah as well as Kamaran Island had been hit. Other reports also spoke of strikes on the port.
Prior to this, an attack had taken place in the Red Sea on a vessel sailing under the Saudi flag. The hull of the "NCC Masa" was slightly damaged, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported, citing a source within the transport authority. The vessel continued its voyage.
Earlier this week, the Houthis had imposed a blockade on ships from Saudi Arabia and targeted merchant vessels. Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital to global trade, Saudi Arabia had rerouted its oil exports through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
