Sanaa, 10 August (H.S.): Yemen’s Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, have launched an attack on the historic port city of Al-Mokha, which is under the control of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea. The Houthis targeted the port complex on Sunday using ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones. Explosions were heard shortly after the attack, while a massive fire broke out in the port area. A Yemeni government military spokesperson said seven people were killed and 15 others injured in the attack.

According to reports by Arab News and Al Jazeera, the Houthi rebels primarily targeted civilian infrastructure at the port. Thick plumes of black smoke and towering flames were seen rising into the sky following the strikes.

The Houthis are a political and military organisation that emerged primarily from Yemen’s Zaydi Shia Muslim community in the northern part of the country. The group receives direct support from Iran. The United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have designated the Houthis as a terrorist organisation.

According to the Yemeni government’s military spokesperson, four soldiers and three civilians were killed in the attacks. Yemen’s air defence system also intercepted and destroyed 11 Houthi drones during the assault.

Port Director Abdul Malik Al-Sharabi confirmed the Houthi attacks. Eyewitnesses said Houthi missiles also landed near the headquarters of a local television station and a government building.

Yemen’s Ministry of Transport, which oversees the port, said an emergency virtual meeting was held following the attack under the chairmanship of Minister Mohsen Ali Haiderah. The meeting condemned the Houthi assault.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attacks. The latest escalation in violence in Yemen began on Thursday, when the Houthis attacked several positions of the Yemeni military in Marib and Hadramout. Yemeni forces subsequently carried out airstrikes against Houthi military positions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar