5 Yemeni governorates targeted by US, UK strikes

By Mohammed Sameai

SANAA, Yemen (AA) - The US announced on Friday the implementation of joint air strikes with the UK on five Houthi targets in Yemen, in response to their ongoing attacks in the Red Sea.

A joint statement released by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK and the US said the "precision strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of international mariners in one of the world’s most critical waterways."

"The Houthis’ more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Today’s action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks," the countries said.

The Yemeni Houthi group launched drone and missile attacks on international shipping lanes in the Red Sea that began in November in response to Israel's war on Gaza.

Maritime trade accounts for 70% of Israel's imports, and 98% of its foreign trade passes through the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Trade through the Red Sea contributes 34.6% to Israel's economy, according to the Israeli Ministry of Finance.

The Red Sea is a critical waterway for international commerce, particularly for oil and fuel shipments, connecting the Suez Canal in Egypt with the Gulf of Aden via the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Suez Canal allows ships coming to and from Europe to transit to Asia without having to take the much longer and costlier route around the southern tip of Africa.

The Houthis have carried out 27 attacks in the Red Sea since Nov. 19, the US military said on Thursday.

- Targeted governorates:

- Sanaa

The American coalition targeted the Houthi-controlled Al-Dailami air base with several strikes, the group’s media outlets reported.

Al-Dailami Air Base is affiliated with the Houthi Air Force. It is located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) north of the city of Sanaa, next to the Sanaa International Airport, the largest airport in Yemen.

This strategic air base has previously been subjected to intense attacks in recent years by the Saudi-led Arab coalition.

- Hodeidah

The American coalition targeted the coastal airport of Hodeidah Governorate which has been inactive for years due to the war.

The coalition also targeted other sites in the Zabid District of the governorate.

Hodeidah with its three ports including the largest active port in Yemen is considered one of the most important Yemeni governorates.

The Houthi group has previously been accused of using the ports of Hodeidah for military purposes, and for carrying out military operations in the Red Sea.

Zabid District in the Hodeidah Governorate contains many archaeological sites.

- Saada

Saada Governorate was subjected to several strikes launched by the American coalition at dawn on Friday, in multiple areas, according to the Houthis’ Al-Masirah satellite channel.

The most prominent sites targeted in this governorate were Kahlan Camp, east of the city of Saada, and Jabal as-Sama, west of the city of Saada, in addition to launching strikes on the Tokhiya area in the Majz District of the governorate.

Saada Governorate is the main stronghold of the Houthi group. It lays on the Yemeni border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

- Taiz

The US coalition launched several attacks on sites under Houthi control in Taiz Governorate.

The attacks targeted the Taiz International Airport, which has been out of service for years as a result of massive destruction it sustained during the war.

The 22nd Brigade camp in the Taiziyah District in Taiz was also targeted.

The Yemeni government and the Houthi group share control over the districts of Taiz Governorate.

- Hajjah

Hajjah Airport, located in the Abs District of the governorate, which is mostly under Houthi control, was also targeted during the American-British strikes on Yemen.

The governorate contains several mountainous areas, and is linked by land borders with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Although inoperative, the governorate also has the sea port of Midi and the land port of Haradh.

- Attacks outcome

The Houthis announced Friday that the American-British attacks have resulted in the killing of five of its fighters in addition to the injury of six others without providing any further details.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi