Yemen's Houthis say Hodeidah hit by airstrikes, threaten strait closure

Yemen's Houthi group threatened on Friday to close a vital shipping lane in the Red Sea after the U.S.-British maritime coalition said it bombed the port city of Hodeidah, where the rebels have a military base.

Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported three airstrikes targeting the Ras Issa area, northwest of the city, near a military sea base. Residents reported hearing large explosions, but no casualties were confirmed.

Without specifically confirming the airstrikes, the U.S. Central Command said on platform X that its navy shot down three drones on Friday "near several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea."

Adding to the volatility, Hussein al-Ezzy, the Houthi-appointed "deputy foreign minister," said on platform X that the group is considering "a total closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the next days" to pressure Israel to end its conflict with Gaza.

However, analysts doubt the Houthis have the capability to enforce such a blockade, which would disrupt global trade and oil supplies, as the strait is a crucial chokepoint for maritime traffic between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on international shipping since mid-November last year, stating they are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza who face intense Israeli attacks.

The U.S.-British forces have responded with dozens of airstrikes on Houthi targets, including mobile missile launchers and underwater drones, but have failed to deter the group from launching more attacks.

The armed Houthis have controlled the strategic Hodeidah since the 2018 UN-sponsored Stockholm Agreement, which was backed by the United States and Britain, forcing the internationally recognized government out.

(With input from Xinhua)