US and UK Conduct Airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah International Airport
US and UK Conduct Airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah International Airport
In a significant escalation of military operations in Yemen, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted coordinated airstrikes on Hodeidah International Airport. The strikes, carried out in the early hours of , targeted facilities believed to be used by Houthi rebels for launching attacks on regional and international interests.
The airstrikes were conducted by a coalition of US and UK forces, utilizing advanced aircraft and precision-guided munitions. The operation was directed at neutralizing the capabilities of the Houthi rebels, who have been in control of Hodeidah, a strategic port city on Yemen’s western coast.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin commented on the operation, stating, “These strikes were necessary to protect our interests and those of our allies in the region. The Houthi rebels have repeatedly used Hodeidah International Airport as a launchpad for attacks that threaten peace and stability in the Middle East. Our actions today are a clear message that such aggression will not be tolerated.”
UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace echoed these sentiments, adding, “The United Kingdom stands firmly with our allies in taking decisive action against those who seek to destabilize the region. The Houthi rebels have shown a blatant disregard for international norms and human rights. Our coordinated efforts aim to curb their ability to perpetrate further violence.”
Initial reports indicate that several key installations within Hodeidah International Airport were targeted, including control towers, hangars, and storage facilities. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early indications suggest significant disruption to the airport’s operational capabilities.
Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, provided further details, stating, “The airstrikes were meticulously planned to minimize collateral damage and civilian casualties. Our intelligence indicated that the airport was being used extensively for military purposes by the Houthi rebels. We remain committed to restoring stability and security in Yemen.”
The strikes have raised immediate concerns among international humanitarian organizations about the potential impact on the civilian population in Hodeidah. The city, already grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis, relies heavily on the airport for the delivery of aid and essential supplies.
David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), expressed deep concern, saying, “While addressing security threats is important, it is crucial to ensure that humanitarian access is not impeded. Hodeidah is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis who are on the brink of famine. We urge all parties to prioritize the needs of civilians and allow for uninterrupted delivery of aid.”
The airstrikes have elicited a range of reactions from the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint and renewed efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. In a statement, he said, “I am deeply concerned about the recent escalation in military activities in Hodeidah. It is imperative that all parties engage in dialogue and work towards a sustainable and peaceful solution to the crisis in Yemen.”
In the US, reactions among lawmakers have been mixed. Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, supported the strikes, stating, “The US must take strong action against threats to our national security and that of our allies. The Houthi rebels pose a significant threat, and today’s operation was necessary.”
Conversely, Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the move, highlighting the humanitarian consequences. “Military action should always be a last resort,” he said. “The people of Yemen have suffered enough. We must pursue diplomatic solutions and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.”
The airstrikes on Hodeidah International Airport mark a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Analysts suggest that this operation may lead to further military engagements and could complicate efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.
Dr. Elisabeth Kendall, a senior research fellow at Pembroke College, Oxford, specializing in Middle Eastern studies, commented, “This escalation underscores the complexity of the Yemen conflict. While the strikes may disrupt Houthi operations in the short term, they also risk further entrenching hostilities and complicating peace efforts. The international community must balance military actions with robust diplomatic initiatives.”
