US-British Airstrikes Target Hodeidah Amid Rising Houthi Threats
In a significant escalation of military tensions in Yemen, the Houthi movement reported that a US-British coalition launched airstrikes on Hodeidah, a crucial coastal province in western Yemen, early Thursday morning. According to Al Masirah TV, the airstrikes targeted areas near Hodeidah University and the international airport, marking a continuation of ongoing military actions in the region. Hodeidah is strategically important due to its international airport and three vital ports that are essential for the flow of goods and humanitarian aid into Yemen.
The announcement of the airstrikes comes amid heightened concerns about Houthi threats to maritime security in the Red Sea. In response, Germany's defense ministry has ordered two of its warships to avoid the Red Sea, opting instead for a longer route around Africa. Colonel Mitko Mueller, a spokesman for the German Defense Ministry, stated that the decision was made due to the
citing sophisticated attacks carried out by the Houthis in recent months using tactical ballistic missiles and drones.
The German frigate Baden-Württemberg and supply ship Frankfurt am Main, currently returning from missions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, will reroute to ensure their safety. Chancellor Olaf Scholz inspected the ships during a recent visit to India, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The frigate is set to join a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, while the supply ship will return to Germany.
Houthi Attacks on Shipping and Increased Military Activity
The Houthi movement has intensified its military operations in solidarity with Gaza, which has faced significant violence since October 7, 2023. The group has claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli and Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. This escalation follows the US-led coalition's ongoing air raids aimed at Houthi positions in Yemen, which have been a response to the group's naval attacks on shipping routes.
The US and British military actions have prompted the Houthis to declare all American and British vessels as military targets, further complicating maritime security in the region. Major shipping companies are now opting to avoid the Red Sea route towards Egypt's Suez Canal, leading to longer and more costly shipping routes around Africa. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further military confrontations as both sides continue to assert their positions in this increasingly volatile conflict.
