Yemen's Houthi Forces Target Red Sea Port in Renewed Assault

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement has carried out a

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement has carried out a new wave of strikes against the strategic port of al-Makha, situated on Yemen's Red Sea coast. The attack, which involved both ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, marks an escalation in the group's ongoing campaign against maritime infrastructure in the region.

Local sources reported that the port, a vital hub for humanitarian aid and commercial shipping, came under fire late Tuesday. The salvo included at least two ballistic missiles and a swarm of drones, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. A senior port official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that operations were temporarily halted as a precautionary measure.

The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen's western coastline since 2014, have repeatedly targeted al-Makha over the past year. Their stated aim is to disrupt what they describe as hostile naval activity, but the port is also a key entry point for food and fuel supplies critical to Yemen's war-torn population. International aid agencies have warned that such attacks exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation.

In a televised statement, a Houthi military spokesman

In a televised statement, a Houthi military spokesman claimed the strikes were a response to "ongoing aggression" by the Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognized government. He added that the group would continue to target any vessels or facilities linked to coalition forces, vowing to "expand the scope of operations" if attacks on Houthi-held areas persist.

The Saudi-led coalition has yet to issue an official reaction, but previous incidents prompted retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi positions in the capital, Sanaa, and along the coast. Analysts fear this latest exchange could further undermine fragile UN-brokered peace efforts, which have stalled amid mutual accusations of ceasefire violations.

Meanwhile, local fishermen and port workers expressed growing anxiety over the renewed violence. "We cannot afford more disruptions," said one dockworker, who asked not to be named. "Every day of closure means less income and more hardship for our families." The international community has repeatedly called for the protection of civilian infrastructure, but with no political breakthrough in sight, the Red Sea corridor remains a flashpoint in Yemen's prolonged conflict.