SANAA, Yemen — Heavy US and British airstrikes pounded targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen early Friday after weeks of disruptive attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed rebel forces.
The strikes targeted an airbase, airports and a military camp, the Houthi rebels’ Al-Masirah TV station said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is in hospital due to surgery complications, said in a statement that the strikes targeted Houthi capabilities including drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, costal radar and air surveillance.
Unverified images on social media, some of them purportedly of Al-Dailami airbase north of Sanaa, showed explosions lighting up the sky as loud bangs and the roar of planes sounded.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the strikes killed five members of the Iran-backed group and wounded six. READ MORE
