The U.S.-UK naval coalition launched a series of air strikes on Wednesday night targeting the Houthi-controlled airport in the port city of Hodeidah, Yemen, according to reports from the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
Local residents took to social media to share their experiences, describing hearing two loud explosions and witnessing glowing flames emanating from the airport. As of now, no further details or casualties have been reported. The Houthi rebel group, which has maintained control over much of northern Yemen since their takeover in 2014, typically refrains from disclosing information about their losses.
The U.S.-UK coalition has not officially confirmed the air strikes, maintaining a level of strategic ambiguity in their operations. This latest action comes just a day after the Houthis claimed to have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile towards Tel Aviv, a claim that Israeli authorities have not yet commented on.
Earlier in July, the Houthi group took responsibility for a drone attack on Tel Aviv, which resulted in the death of one Israeli and injuries to five others. The airport in Hodeidah has been a focal point of conflict since late 2014 when the Houthis seized several northern cities, including this strategic port.
Since November of last year, the Houthi group has been increasingly active in launching rocket and drone attacks targeting what they describe as \"Israeli-linked\" ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These actions are purported to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing tensions.
In response to these aggressive maneuvers, the U.S.-UK naval coalition stationed in the surrounding waters has been conducting intermittent air raids and strikes against Houthi targets. These operations aim to deter the group and maintain stability in the region, particularly around key maritime routes.
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U.S.-UK coalition strikes Yemen's Hodeidah airport, Houthi media says
cgtn.com
