Arab Coalition Denies Attacking Yemeni Ports

The spokesman for the Saudi-led Arab coalition, Major General Turki al-Maliki, said the coalition did not attack Yemeni ports in response to Houthi attacks on Saudi ships on Saturday. Previously, a source in the local government of Al Hudaydah told RIA Novosti that Saudi Arabia launched a series of airstrikes in several areas of Al Hudaydah province, western Yemen. “The coalition did not bombard the Port of Al Hudaydah or any other Yemeni ports. These ports remain open to receive commercial vessels and maritime transport carrying humanitarian aid,” Al Arabiya quoted al-Maliki as saying. He added that the coalition would continue to take measures “to protect navigation and the kingdom’s interests,” while warning that any further action by the Houthis would be met with a “proportionate response.” Earlier, a source at the Saudi Arabian transport authority said a Saudi tanker was attacked in the Red Sea, days after Saudi authorities confirmed an attack on the tanker Encelia. This week, the Houthi group announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for the blockade of ports and airports in Yemen.