The Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes on Houthi-linked military sites in Hodeidah after an attack on the Saudi-flagged ship NCC Masa in the Red Sea. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the strikes targeted "legitimate military objectives," were proportionate, and met operational goals. Houthi-aligned media reported damage to a telecommunications facility in Hodeidah and strikes on Kamaran Island, while Saudi sources said NCC Masa suffered only minor hull damage and continued to port. US President Donald Trump warned Iran and the Houthis of severe military consequences for further attacks on shipping.
Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Houthi Sites in Hodeidah After Attack on Saudi-Flagged Ship
FILE PHOTO - A Yemen's Houthi supporter brandishes a rifle during a demonstration against the United States and Israel in Sana'a. (is associated with: «Saudi Arabia strikes Houthi military sites in Yemen, coalition says») Osamah Yahya/dpa
The Saudi-led military coalition said it carried out airstrikes in Yemen on Friday in response to an attack on a Saudi-flagged vessel transiting the Red Sea. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the operations targeted "legitimate military objectives" linked to the Houthi militia in the western province of Hodeidah, which the coalition associated with threats to commercial shipping.
Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of conducting "maritime terrorism" along one of the world’s busiest sea routes by targeting merchant vessels. He described the strikes as proportionate and said they achieved the coalition’s planned operational objectives.
Houthi-aligned media reported airstrikes in the port city of Hodeidah and on Kamaran Island, saying a state-owned telecommunications facility and other infrastructure were hit. Independent verification of those claims was not immediately available.
Earlier, the state-run Saudi news agency reported that the Saudi-flagged vessel NCC Masa was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea. According to the Saudi report, the ship’s hull sustained minor damage; the vessel and its crew were later confirmed safe and the ship continued to its destination port.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump warned the Houthis and their ally Iran against further attacks on shipping. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said the United States would hold Iran accountable for any future Houthi attacks and promised "severe military penalties" for both Iran and the Houthis.
Donald Trump: "If they do this again, the USA will hold Iran accountable, as the Houthis act as Iran's proxies. Severe military penalties against Iran and, of course, against the Houthis themselves."
The strikes highlight rising tensions in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor for global trade and energy shipments, and underscore international concern about attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
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