Houthis Warn of Retaliation After Alleged Saudi Strike on Yemen Port

Yemen's Houthi movement has threatened retaliation after accusing Saudi Arabia of launching overnight airstrikes on the strategic port city of Hodeidah, raising fears that regional tensions linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict could escalate further.

According to Al Jazeera, the Houthi-controlled Foreign Ministry said the strikes were carried out late Friday and warned that Riyadh would face "serious consequences."

In a statement, the ministry said targeting Hodeidah marked a new phase in the conflict, describing it as an escalation that would be met with a proportional response.

Houthi-affiliated broadcaster Al Masirah TV reported that the strikes targeted facilities belonging to Yemen's telecommunications authority. The outlet also said Kamaran Island was hit, leaving one woman injured.

Reuters, citing local witnesses, reported explosions in the Hodeidah port area. However, the Saudi-led coalition denied targeting the port itself.

Hodeidah is a critical gateway for northern Yemen, serving as the primary entry point for commercial goods and humanitarian aid into Houthi-controlled territory.

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki blamed the Houthis for the latest escalation, accusing the group of carrying out "reckless" attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

In a statement, Al-Maliki said the coalition would continue taking "all necessary operational measures" and warned that hostile actions by the Houthis would be met with a firm response.

Earlier this week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks targeting several Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, saying the vessels had violated a recently announced maritime blockade. At least one tanker was reportedly damaged.

The Houthis imposed the blockade on July 20, following an attack on Sanaa International Airport a week earlier, which they blamed on Saudi Arabia.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Riyadh, acknowledged responsibility for the airport strike, saying it targeted an unauthorized Iranian aircraft.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the airport attack effectively ended the informal truce that had largely reduced hostilities since 2022.