Coalition carries out proportionate strikes on Houthi military targets

RIYADH — The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said Saturday it had carried out a proportionate military response against legitimate Houthi militia's military targets in Hodeidah Governorate following the militia's attack on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the Houthis had committed a reckless and cowardly act by targeting commercial shipping, describing the attack as part of a pattern of threats against one of the world's most important international sea lanes.He said the operation targeted only military sites used by the Houthis to threaten commercial vessels and stressed that the planned operational objectives had been achieved in accordance with customary international humanitarian law.Al-Maliki said Hodeidah Port was not targeted and that Yemeni ports, including Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif, remain open and operational to receive commercial vessels carrying food, commodities, oil and construction materials. He added that air traffic to and from Yemeni airports also remains operational.He accused the Houthis of continuing to prevent flights from operating at Sana'a International Airport, saying the group was imposing a siege on the Yemeni people and worsening humanitarian suffering.The spokesman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's support for the Yemeni people and the country's legitimate government, saying the Kingdom would continue standing alongside Yemen in confronting the Houthi militia.He said the Coalition would continue taking all necessary operational measures to protect the Kingdom's interests, national assets and commercial vessels, warning that any further Houthi hostilities would be met with a firm and resolute response.