Saudi Arabia strikes Hodeidah, escalating Yemen conflict after Houthi naval embargo

Tensions in the region have escalated after Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah, a port city under the control of Houthi rebels. Yemeni media aligned with the Houthis reported the attacks, and an security source confirmed them to AFP. The strikes occurred shortly after the Houthis declared a naval embargo targeting Saudi Arabia.

According to the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah television, "Saudi aggressors attacked in Hodeidah province." Residents reported hearing explosions, and one woman was injured on Kamaran Island, north of Hodeidah, during the attacks. Both Yemeni media and the security source indicated that telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah and on Kamaran Island were targeted, along with a naval base within the significant Yemeni port.

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Saudi aggressors attacked in Hodeidah province.

Saudi state news agency SPA reported that the Houthis had attacked another Saudi company vessel, causing minor hull damage. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels had declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia earlier in the week, threatening attacks on tankers and vessels using Saudi ports. A Houthi military spokesperson stated this was retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa's international airport and the ongoing blockade of Yemen.

However, the spokesperson clarified that the blockade specifically targets Saudi Arabia and does not affect navigation through the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait. The Houthis announced the naval embargo on Riyadh and claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.

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The blockade concerns only Saudi Arabia.