Airstrikes hit Houthi military sites in Yemen as group claims attacks on Saudi energy facilities

Sanaa: Airstrikes struck Houthi military sites in northern Yemen on Saturday, the state-run Yemen TV reported, as tensions further escalated following the group’s attacks on Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.

The strikes targeted missile and rocket launch platforms and weapons depots in Marib and al-Jawf provinces, killing several Houthi members, including missile specialists, the broadcaster said.

There was no immediate Houthi comment.

Also on Saturday, the Houthi group said it has carried out coordinated missile and drone strikes on Saudi energy facilities in Jizan and Yanbu regions in retaliation for overnight coalition airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in the Red Sea province of Hodeidah, Xinhua News Agency reported.

In a televised statement aired by Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed both operations “achieved their objectives,” without providing evidence.

Saudi authorities did not immediately respond.

The latest escalation came after the Houthis announced a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping last week and claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers on Thursday.

On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition said it struck Houthi military sites in Hodeidah while avoiding civilian infrastructure, whereas Al-Masirah TV said the strikes hit several locations, including telecommunications facilities and Kamaran Island, where a woman was reportedly injured.

Yemen has been mired in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthis seized much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government.

Although a UN-mediated truce expired in 2022, a fragile de facto ceasefire has largely held. The latest escalation has raised fresh concerns over regional security and the safety of Red Sea shipping.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that Yemen’s Houthi group and Iran would face “major military punishment” if the Houthis continue attacking ships.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said he was “very disappointed” with the Houthis, accusing the group of “shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night.”

The United States would hold Iran responsible if the attacks continue, he said.

IANS