Houthis Claim US-British Airstrikes on Hodeidah Airport
The Ansar Allah group, commonly known as the Houthis, reported that the US-British coalition conducted two airstrikes on Hodeidah International Airport in western Yemen on Wednesday evening. The airport, which is under Houthi control, has been largely non-operational for commercial flights due to the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly a decade. Although Al-Masirah TV, the Houthis' media outlet, described the strikes as 'aggression,' there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Hodeidah Airport, situated along the Red Sea, features a runway that stretches 3 kilometers. Prior to the war, it served both domestic and international flights. In recent years, however, it has become a focal point in the conflict between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, which is supported by a US-led coalition. The coalition has been conducting operations in the region, claiming to target Houthi military positions in response to their attacks on maritime vessels.
Escalating Tensions and Regional Implications
The Houthis have intensified their military operations in solidarity with Gaza, which has faced significant violence since October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that the group has been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and beyond, utilizing missiles and drones. This escalation follows a recent history of retaliatory actions, including a Houthi missile strike on a building in Tel Aviv that resulted in casualties.
The situation in Yemen remains precarious, with the US-led coalition's airstrikes continuing amid ongoing Houthi threats against American and British maritime interests. As tensions rise, the potential for further conflict in the region increases, particularly with the Houthis now categorizing all US and UK vessels as military targets.
