AL-MUKALLA: The United States and the United Kingdom have launched fresh airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah province in Yemen, escalating tensions in the conflict-ridden region. The strikes reportedly targeted military installations, missile and drone launchers, and ammunition depots in the At Tuhayta District.
The Houthis’ official news agency, Saba, confirmed the airstrikes and stated their retaliation against ships passing through strategic waterways. Recently, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching missiles at Bab Al-Mandab, hitting cargo vessels, including the Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship and the Greek-owned MV Star Iris. The Houthis justified these attacks as retaliation against aggression by the US and UK, alleging their involvement in the bombardment of Yemeni territories.
Allegations Against Houthis
Human Rights Watch and Yemeni activists have reported a surge in child recruitment by the Houthis. Niku Jafarnia, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, condemned the Houthis’ exploitation of the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the urgent need for resources to support the basic needs of children in Houthi-controlled areas.
Yemen’s Minister of Information, Moammar Al-Eryani, has called for sanctions against Houthi leaders involved in child recruitment, denouncing the militia group’s use of children as “fuel for their war.” Al-Eryani further accused the Houthis of transforming schools into military camps and indoctrinating children with extremist ideologies.
