Late Thursday night, warplanes from the US-British coalition conducted two airstrikes on Hodeidah airport in western Yemen, according to the media reports. The airport, located in the southern part of the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, has been under Houthi control and closed since late 2014. Residents reported hearing significant explosions.
The conflict in Yemen has intensified, with Houthis launching anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones in support of Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks, targeting what the Houthis claim are Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea, began in November last year. In retaliation, the US-British naval coalition has been carrying out air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since January. This has led to an escalation, with Houthis expanding their attacks to include US and British commercial vessels and naval ships.
On Thursday, a missile splashed down in the Red Sea without causing damage to a passing commercial vessel, in an attack likely carried out by Houthi rebels. Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel, and sunk another since November, according to the media sources. Shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined due to these threats.
On Tuesday, Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they shot down an American drone over the Arabian Peninsula, marking the latest development in the ongoing conflict. The Houthis’ demand for Israel to end the war in Gaza continues to fuel their aggressive actions in the region.
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