Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Houthi military sites in Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on Friday, according to the Saudi-led coalition, marking a further escalation in tensions after a series of attacks on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthi-controlled foreign ministry said the strikes targeted Hodeidah late on Friday and warned that the attack would trigger further escalation in the conflict.
Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television reported that telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah city were struck and said Kamaran Island, off Yemen's western coast, was also targeted.
Reuters could not independently verify the reported strikes, while Anadolu said it could not verify the attacks, images circulating online or who carried them out.
The Saudi-led coalition said the strikes targeted Houthi military sites linked to attacks on Saudi shipping.
The operation followed recent Houthi claims that they had targeted Saudi commercial vessels and oil tankers in the Red Sea using ballistic missiles and drones.
Saudi authorities reported that the commercial vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage but continued its voyage safely after an attack.
Authorities also said another vessel, Insiliya, caught fire in its bow following a separate attack, with no crew injuries reported.
The Houthis previously announced a maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia, describing it as a response to what they called a Saudi blockade on areas under their control.
Saudi Arabia rejected those allegations and said ports in Houthi-controlled areas had continued receiving hundreds of vessels carrying food, fuel and construction materials.
The Houthi-controlled foreign ministry warned that "escalation for escalation" would define the coming phase following the strikes.
The latest developments follow rising tensions after the Houthis declared that a previous period of de-escalation had ended and expanded threats against Saudi-linked shipping.
Saudi Arabia has sought to avoid a return to full-scale conflict since a truce in 2022 sharply reduced fighting in Yemen.
The renewed exchanges come amid broader regional tensions involving the United States and Iran, while military operations continue elsewhere in the region.
US President Donald Trump also warned the Houthis and Iran of "severe military punishment" if attacks on commercial shipping continue.