File: A giant fire erupts at an oil storage facility following Israeli strikes in Yemen's port city of Hodeida on July 20, 2024. (Photo by AFP)
Aden: Yemen's major Red Sea ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa lost some 1.4 billion US dollars from July 2024 to May this year amid US and Israeli airstrikes, the Houthi group said on Sunday.
The airstrikes targeted civilian port infrastructure and operational facilities, resulting in the destruction of docks, main cranes, power stations, generators, and logistical facilities at the three ports, the Houthi-controlled Red Sea Ports Corporation told a press conference in Hodeidah.
The destruction also included "floating docks, tugboats, and warehouses designated for unloading food, relief, and medical supplies" across the three ports, said the corporation, calling for immediate support for reconstruction efforts.
The Houthis have been targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza.
Israel has launched rounds of airstrikes on Houthi targets in response. The United States has been conducting regular air raids and strikes on Houthi sites since January 2024 in a joint bid to deter the armed group, prompting the Houthis to expand attacks to include US vessels.
In mid-March, US President Donald Trump ordered "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthis after the group announced plans to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in the Red Sea, citing Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as the reason.
In early May, the Houthis and the United States reportedly reached an Oman-brokered ceasefire agreement, under the terms of which the Houthis agreed to suspend attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea in exchange for a halt to US airstrikes on Houthi positions.
