Airstrikes hit Houthi military sites in Yemen as group claims attacks on Saudi energy facilities
Sanaa, July 25
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
Reader Comments
Trump warning Iran is just going to make things worse. Yemen has suffered enough since 2015 - the UN truce was fragile but it was working. Now everyone wants to play war again. As an Indian watching this, I feel sad for ordinary Yemeni families.
Another day, another escalation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, global oil prices will spike and India, being a major importer, will feel the pinch again. This cycle never ends. Diplomacy failed; now it's just bombs and rhetoric.
The Houthis claim they hit Saudi facilities but no evidence. Saudi coalition says they avoid civilian targets but a woman was injured. Truth is always the first casualty in war. India should push for UN-led peace talks again instead of just watching.
Honestly, I'm tired of these headlines. Yemen has been in crisis for a decade. The Houthis using Red Sea shipping as leverage is dangerous for everyone—including Indian ships that pass through there daily. Someone needs to call for a ceasefire.
Trump saying Iran will face 'major military punishment' is just words at this point. But the real problem is the Houthis have become Iran's proxy in Yemen. India should be careful—our diaspora in Gulf countries could be affected if this spreads.
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