Huthi Rebels Blame US Airstrike for Rise in Death Toll in Hodeida

Hodeida: The death toll from an airstrike in Hodeida, which the Huthi rebels blame on the United States, has risen to eight, according to reports from the rebels’ media. Al-Masirah TV, quoting the Huthi health ministry, stated that the airstrike resulted in eight fatalities and 16 injuries, with ongoing rubble removal operations. Initial reports on Tuesday had confirmed the deaths of four children and two women.

The attack targeted a residential area in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, and three loud blasts were heard on Tuesday night by an AFP journalist. The Huthis have accused the United States of carrying out the strike as part of its ongoing air campaign against the Iran-backed rebel group.

This airstrike follows a series of near-daily strikes on rebel-held areas of Yemen since March 15, when Washington launched an air campaign to pressure the Huthis to stop threatening vital maritime routes. In retaliation, the Huthis have launched attacks on US military ships and Israeli territories, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Huthis began targeting ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden after the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. Though they paused these attacks during a ceasefire in January, tensions escalated following Israel’s resumption of its offensive on Gaza in March, leading to a resumption of Huthi attacks on maritime targets.

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The conflict has severely disrupted vital shipping routes in the Red Sea, which accounts for approximately 12 percent of global shipping traffic, prompting many companies to take longer detours around southern Africa to avoid the region.