Saudi Strikes Hit Houthi Targets Amid Maritime Blockade

Saudi Arabia's air strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen's Hodeida province have injured two people, according to rebel media. The attacks come amid a blockade by the Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi shipping routes.

The conflict marks a significant escalation of tensions between the two sides, with the Houthis announcing a maritime blockade and targeting vessels in the Red Sea. This has disrupted access for Saudi Arabia to transport oil through its port at Yanbu, which accounts for 92% of all seaborne crude exports in June.

The Saudi-led coalition said it targeted Houthi sites used to threaten commercial shipping in response to attacks on Red Sea vessels. The coalition's spokesman, Turki al-Maliki, stated that the 'military response is now over'.