The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen on Friday, according to reports. The strikes targeted Houthi-controlled Hodeidah governorate and Houthi positions in Hodeida, the coalition said.
Rebel media reported two people were injured in the strikes. The Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, claiming they hit Saudi ships in the Red Sea. The coalition stated it struck Houthi sites and destroyed targets threatening commercial vessels.
The exchange of fire between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis is the first in years, threatening a 2022 truce that has held despite expiring. The coalition confirmed strikes on Houthi military sites in Yemen’s Hodeidah Özet and said Hodeidah Port was not targeted, adding that all Yemeni ports remain open to navigation.
The Houthis said airstrikes targeted western Yemen Özet and accused Saudi Arabia of striking telecommunications facilities and Kamaran Island in Hodeidah province. The Houthis, in a statement, accused US ally Riyadh of a "dangerous escalation."
Tensions over Red Sea shipping have escalated, with the Houthis claiming airstrikes hit western Yemen, including an island and telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah. The Saudi-led coalition struck military targets belonging to the Houthis on Friday, according to reports.