U.S.-British coalition launches 2 airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah airport

SANAA — The U.S.-British naval coalition launched two airstrikes on the Houthi-held Yemeni airport in the port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday night, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

Local residents said on social media that they heard two loud explosions and saw glowing flames rising from the airport.

No further details or casualties were reported, as the Houthi rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen, rarely discloses its losses.

The U.S.-British coalition has made no confirmation yet on the alleged strikes.

The airstrikes came a day after the Houthis said that they had launched what it called a hypersonic ballistic missile towards Tel Aviv. Israel did not comment on the Houthi claim.

In July, the Houthi group claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Tel Aviv, which, Israeli media reported, killed one Israeli and injured five others.

The airport has been closed since late 2014 when the Houthis seized control of several northern cities, including Hodeidah.

Since November last year, the Houthi group has been launching rocket and drone attacks targeting what it described as “Israeli-linked” ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In response, the U.S.-British navy coalition stationed in the waters has been conducting sporadic air raids and strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group.

XINHUA