Recent Raids in Hodeidah Amid Houthi Attacks
The Yemeni port city of Hodeidah has been under intense bombardment from coalition forces, reportedly including the United States and Britain. On October 18, media outlets affiliated with the Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, reported that these forces conducted two air raids on Ras Issa, a strategic area within Hodeidah. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the attacks were part of a broader campaign targeting maritime vessels in the Arabian Sea, particularly those associated with Israel.
Targeting of the Megapolis
In a significant escalation, the Houthis confirmed a successful drone attack on a ship named Megapolis, which is flagged in Malta. The operation was justified by the Houthis as a response to the ship's alleged violations of a ban on entering ports in occupied Palestinian territories. Saree emphasized that these actions are a direct retaliation against what they perceive as aggression from Israel and its allies. He indicated that the Houthis will persist in targeting Israeli interests until the blockade on Gaza is lifted and hostilities in Lebanon cease.
Ongoing Maritime Threats
The Houthi group has ramped up its maritime operations, launching nearly 100 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since November of the previous year. These confrontations have already led to the sinking of two ships and the capture of another, alongside the tragic loss of at least four sailors. The strategic importance of Hodeidah, which features an international airport and three vital ports, underscores the region's critical role in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
