US airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals near Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeida. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claim that the strikes occurred on Tuesday night, targeting the al-Hawak district close to the city’s airport. The attack also left 16 people injured. Historically, the airport has been utilized by the rebels to launch attacks on ships navigating the Red Sea.
Footage broadcasted by the Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel depicted scenes of chaos, with individuals transporting the injured to ambulances and rescuers using phone lights to search for survivors in the dark. The targeted area appeared to be residential, suggesting a possible broader operation with the intent of neutralizing rebel leaders. Other airstrikes reportedly impacted Yemen’s Amran governorate, north of the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa, causing damage to telecommunications infrastructure.
The strikes extended to Jebel Nuqum near Sanaa and other locations within the Dhamar and Ibb governorates, resulting in at least three injuries. The US military’s Central Command has yet to officially confirm these airstrikes, aligning with a pattern observed since the campaign’s inception on March 15. This campaign, authorized by the White House for targeted strikes on a case-by-case basis, has reportedly executed over 200 strikes to date.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, reinforced the United States’ commitment to maintaining pressure on the Houthis, indicating the likelihood of a prolonged military campaign. The escalation of US military actions follows threats by the Houthis to renew attacks on Israeli ships, a retaliation against Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza. Previously, the Houthis have attacked over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and causing the deaths of four sailors between November 2023 and January 2025. Additionally, unsuccessful attempts were made to target US warships.
The Broader Impact
- The ongoing conflict and airstrikes in Yemen could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, further endangering civilian lives and complicating aid delivery.
- Increased military actions may lead to heightened tensions in the region, potentially affecting international shipping routes through the Red Sea.
- The prolonged campaign could strain US military resources and impact foreign relations, particularly with countries involved in the Yemen conflict.
- For the global community, the situation underscores the complexities of regional conflicts and the challenges in achieving diplomatic resolutions.
- The continuous threat to maritime security could lead to increased insurance and operational costs for shipping companies, impacting global trade and supply chains.
