The US military conducted airstrikes against 15 Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen on Friday evening, which it said were aimed at protecting the freedom of international waters and securing safe passage for US and international vessels.
The strikes were carried out in five different areas, including Hodeida airport, the Huthi-controlled Katheib base, as well as areas in the capital Sana’a and Dhamar province According to Huthi media reports, seven targets were hit in Hodeida.
The targets are said to primarily involve the offensive military capabilities of the Huthi movement, including weapons and material depots. There are currently no reports of injuries or deaths.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen today at about 5 p.m. (Sanaa time). These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities. These actions were taken to protect freedom of… pic.twitter.com/w8dC2lacpP
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 4, 2024
The airstrikes followed the Houthi rebels’ attack on a British oil tanker in the Red Sea on Tuesday with an explosive-laden drone boat, causing serious damage to the vessel.
The Houthi movement has also threatened further military action against Israel, claiming to have shot down a US military drone. However, Yemeni officials say the US strikes were mainly in response to Gaza and Lebanon solidarity marches, where thousands gathered on the streets of the capital Sana’a to express solidarity with the people of Gaza and Lebanon following Israeli attacks.
– The aggression on the capital and Yemeni governorates after the…solidarity marches with Lebanon and Gaza is a desperate attempt to terrorise our people, Huthi official Hashem Sharaf al-Din told Al Masirah newspaper.
– Yemen will not be deterred by these attacks and will continue its steadfastness in confronting the enemies with all its strength, he continued.