Red Sea Tensions Escalate

Saudi-Led Coalition Retaliates for Red Sea Ship Attacks

The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said Saturday it launched a proportionate military strike on Houthi militia targets in Hodeidah Governorate, responding to the group's recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. 

Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the Houthis had carried out a reckless and cowardly act by targeting commercial ships, calling it part of an ongoing pattern of threats against one of the world's most vital shipping routes. He said the strikes hit only military sites used to threaten commercial vessels and that all objectives were met in line with international humanitarian law. 

Al-Maliki confirmed Hodeidah Port was not targeted and that Yemeni ports—including Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif—remain open for vessels carrying food, fuel and construction materials. Air traffic to Yemeni airports also continues normally, he said. 

The spokesman accused the Houthis of blocking flights at Sana'a International Airport, saying the group was besieging the Yemeni people and deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Al-Maliki reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's backing of Yemen's legitimate government, warning that any further Houthi hostility would draw a firm and decisive response.