8-2-2024 (HODEIDA) The United States and Britain reportedly conducted strikes in Yemen’s Hodeida province, targeting the Ras Issa area in Suleif, according to Yemen’s Houthi rebels’ news agency, Saba.net, on Wednesday (Feb 7). However, there has been no immediate response from Washington or London regarding these alleged strikes.
An employee at a sugar factory in Suleif, identified only as Alaa, informed AFP that he heard two explosions in the vicinity.
Neither the United States nor Britain have provided immediate confirmation or denial of the reported strikes.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who hold significant control over Yemen, including the strategic port of Hodeida, have been engaging in activities disrupting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Houthis have purportedly targeted ships they allege to be linked with Israel, as well as vessels from other nations, leading to disruptions in global trade. Consequently, US and British forces have initiated reprisals in response to these attacks.
The incidents in the Red Sea have resulted in increased insurance premiums for shipping companies, compelling many to reroute away from the Red Sea route, which typically handles around 12 per cent of global maritime trade.
On Tuesday, Houthi rebels claimed to have launched attacks on US and British ships in the Red Sea, resulting in minor damages but no casualties reported.
