Saudi airstrikes on Hodeidah trigger Houthi warning, raising regional tensions
Saudi Arabia’s airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled Yemeni city of Hodeidah have triggered a strong response from the group, with the Houthis warning that the attacks could have serious consequences and further escalate tensions in the region.
According to Arab media reports, Houthi officials said Saudi-led forces targeted telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah as well as Kamaran Island. A woman was reportedly injured in the strike on Kamaran Island.
Witnesses also reported hearing explosions near Hodeidah port. However, the Saudi-led military coalition denied targeting the port itself.
The coalition said its operations were aimed at Houthi military positions in Hodeidah.
Hodeidah port is a major commercial and humanitarian gateway for northern Yemen. The port plays an important role in bringing essential goods and humanitarian supplies into areas controlled by the Houthis.
The latest strikes followed growing tensions in the Red Sea. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki had described recent Houthi activities in the area as irresponsible and provocative.
He warned that the coalition would take further military action if Houthi attacks continued.
The Houthis recently claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The group said the vessels had violated a naval blockade it had announced against Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis declared the blockade on July 20. They described it as a response to an attack on Sanaa International Airport a week earlier.
The internationally recognised Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, claimed responsibility for the airport attack. It said the strike was carried out after an Iranian aircraft allegedly arrived at the airport without authorisation.
Following the latest escalation, concerns are growing over the impact on commercial shipping and global trade.
Two Chinese oil tankers carrying Saudi crude reportedly crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait safely despite the heightened tensions.
The Red Sea is a crucial international shipping route. It handles a significant share of global container trade and connects major markets between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping in the Red Sea could increase transportation costs and put further pressure on global supply chains.
The situation is particularly sensitive because the Strait of Hormuz is also facing serious disruption amid the wider regional conflict.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said the group’s naval blockade does not amount to a complete closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
He said the measure is specifically focused on maritime activity linked to Saudi Arabia.
According to the Houthi position, the blockade is intended as a response to what the group describes as the continued blockade of Yemen.
The latest exchange of airstrikes, threats and attacks on shipping has increased fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
