The Houthi’s Al-Masirah television reported on Friday that 16 people were killed and 35 wounded in U.S. and British strikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah province. The strikes reportedly targeted a radio building in Hodeidah’s Al-Hawk district and the port of Salif.
Joint Military Operation
The U.S. and British militaries confirmed they launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to deter the militant group from further disrupting shipping in the Red Sea. According to a statement from the U.S. Central Command, U.S. and British forces hit 13 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
The British defence ministry elaborated that the joint operation specifically targeted three locations in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. These locations were believed to house drones and surface-to-air weapons. “As ever, the utmost care was taken in planning the strikes to minimise any risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure,” the British defence ministry said in a statement. “Conducting the strikes in the hours of darkness should also have mitigated yet further any such risks.”
Context of the Conflict
The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital and most populous areas, have been attacking international shipping in the Red Sea since November. These actions are reportedly in solidarity with the Palestinians in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants. This has drawn retaliatory strikes from U.S. and British forces since February.
The recent escalation underscores the volatile nature of the region and the complexities involved in international military operations. While efforts were made to minimise civilian casualties, the tragic loss of life highlights the human cost of such conflicts.
