US conducts airstrikes on Houthi-controlled airport in Yemen

Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen announced that the U.S. and the U.K. conducted 30 airstrikes on Hodeidah International Airport, which is currently under Houthi control.

According to the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel, the airstrikes targeted the airport located in the western city of Hodeidah. The report did not provide specific details regarding the casualties or damage caused by the attacks, and there has been no official statement from the U.S. or U.K. on the matter.

In another report broadcast by Al-Masirah TV, it was mentioned that the U.S. and U.K. also carried out four airstrikes on Yemen’s Kamaran Island in the Red Sea. Similar to the airport attack, no detailed information on the consequences of these strikes was provided.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the destruction of eight unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. In a statement posted on CENTCOM’s X account, coalition forces intervened against the UAS over the Gulf of Aden.

Since Oct. 31, 2023, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have been targeting commercial ships they claim are linked to Israeli companies, in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Gaza. These actions have prompted many shipping companies to halt their operations in the Red Sea.

On Dec. 18, 2023, the U.S. announced the formation of a multinational “maritime task force” under the “Operation Guardian of Prosperity” to counter Houthi forces, citing threats to global maritime trade security.

Following the latest airstrikes, the Houthis have declared that they will target all vessels belonging to the U.S. and U.K. in response.