Saudi-led coalition strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, accuses militia of 'maritime terrorism'

Port of the Yemeni city of Hudaida (archive image) Source: ---/XinHua/dpa

The Saudi-led military coalition has carried out airstrikes on targets in Yemen following an attack on a ship in the Red Sea. The coalition holds the Iran-backed Houthi militia responsible for the attack on a vessel sailing under the Saudi flag and has accused the group of "maritime terrorism."

Coalition Response

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki stated on X that the targets were "legitimate military targets" of the Houthis in the Yemeni province of Hudaida, linked to the threat to shipping in the Red Sea. He described the now-concluded military action as proportionate and confirmed that it achieved its operational objectives. The port of Hudaida was not attacked.

Reports from Yemen

Houthi-affiliated media reported airstrikes in the port city of Hudaida, stating that facilities of the state telecommunications company in Hudaida and on the island of Kamaran had been hit. Other reports also mentioned attacks on the port.

Residents told the German Press Agency of several airstrikes and explosions near the port, with flames and thick clouds of smoke rising over the area. A Houthi-affiliated TV channel described the attacks as "Saudi aggression."

Escalation at Sea

Earlier, another attack occurred on a ship sailing under the Saudi flag in the Red Sea. The hull of the "NCC Masa" was slightly damaged, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency SPA, citing a source in the transport authority.

On Wednesday night, the Saudi oil tanker "Encelia" had already been attacked, causing a fire on board. The Shiite Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks on oil tankers of the Sunni kingdom.

Background of the Conflict

The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has recently escalated again. The militia announced a "blockade" for Saudi ships on Monday—approximately a week after a new confrontation with the neighboring kingdom, with which the militia has been at war in Yemen for more than ten years. A "shipping ban" for Saudi Arabia was announced effective immediately. The Houthis initially did not comment on the latest attack.

The militia controls mainly the north of Yemen and large parts of the western coast on the Red Sea. From there, they can attack ships in the Bab al-Mandab strait using rockets, drones, and cruise missiles. The strait, together with the Strait of Hormuz, is one of the most important sea routes worldwide.

US Warning

US President Donald Trump had already threatened the Houthis and their ally Iran with retaliation on Thursday if ships were attacked again by the militia. "If they do this again, the US will hold Iran accountable, as the Houthis act as Iran's proxies," Trump said on his platform Truth Social. He announced "severe military penalties against Iran and, of course, against the Houthis themselves."

Historical Context

The Houthis formally overran the poor country on the Arabian Peninsula in 2014 and plunged it into a civil war. Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government, while the Houthis receive help from Iran. A ceasefire came into effect in the conflict in 2022, though minor skirmishes continue.

dpa/luwi