Yemeni military sources reported that Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed 14 troops in a pre-dawn assault near Hodeidah, a strategic port city on Yemen’s western Red Sea coast. The attack occurred in Hays district, where pro-government forces reportedly repelled the offensive after hours of intense clashes. While the Houthis confirmed casualties among their ranks, specific numbers were not disclosed.
The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, has persisted since 2015, causing widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. Despite a UN-mediated truce in 2022, sporadic violence continues. On Friday, the Houthis escalated tensions by threatening Saudi infrastructure, accusing the kingdom of obstructing an Iranian aircraft from landing—a move linked to broader regional tensions involving Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Western and Israeli interests.
