Arab Coalition Destroys 4 Explosive-Laden Boats in Yemeni Province

The Arab coalition announced on Saturday that four explosive-laden Houthi boats had been destroyed in Yemen's western province of Hodeidah.

According to a coalition statement, aeroplanes attacked the Al-Jabanah coastal base east of Hodeidah, where the ships were preparing to strike international ships passing through the Red Sea.

“The coalition efforts have contributed to protecting shipping lanes and international trade in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and south of (the) Red Sea,” it said.

The coalition's airstrikes on Houthi installations in Hodeidah come only days after it destroyed similar sites in Sanaa, where explosive-laden drones and ballistic missiles were being launched to attack Saudi Arabian and Yemeni targets.

The alliance recently threatened to intensify airstrikes in Yemen if the Houthis did not stop attacking civilians both inside and outside the country.

Al-Jabanah had three military locations, according to a pro-government officer from Hodeidah, and was known to Yemeni military officials as a facility for constructing explosive-laden boats and drones.

“The Houthis usually target international ships in the Red Sea from Al-Jabanah since it is the closest area in Hodeidah to international waters,” said the officer, who requested anonymity because he was not allowed to brief reporters.

Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused the Houthis of violating the Stockholm Agreement by using Hodeidah's coastal districts as launch pads for attacks on the administration, the coalition, and international marine traffic in the Red Sea.

The bombings in Hodeidah are the first in recent months since the coalition's efforts have largely been concentrated on assisting government troops fighting militia in the central province of Marib.

In battle outside Marib city, dozens of Houthi rebels and government troops were killed as the militia intensified its advance to take the city and its gas and oil assets.

Hundreds of Houthis attacked troops and allied tribesmen in Jabal Murad on Saturday, residents and local officials reported, in an attempt to make new territorial gains that would bring them closer to their target.