U.S.-led coalition airstrikes hit Yemen's capital

U.S. media, citing anonymous U.S. officials, reported that the United States and Britain hit more than a dozen Houthi targets in response to a recent surge in rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

SANAA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition struck the Yemeni capital Sanaa late Saturday, the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported.

"The American-British aggression aircraft again launched a series of raids on the capital," the TV reported.

Meanwhile, local witnesses told Xinhua that at least four missiles hit the Al-Siyanah Military Camp, north of Sanaa's downtown, causing big explosions and fire. Ambulances rushed to the scene.

Residents also said the warplanes struck a military camp in the southern part of the capital and another camp on a mountain east of Sanaa.

U.S. media, citing anonymous U.S. officials, reported that the United States and Britain hit more than a dozen Houthi targets in response to a recent surge in rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. One of the attacks last week set fire to Rubymar, a British cargo vessel, and forced the crew to abandon the ship.

The officials said American and British fighter jets hit about 18 sites in this fourth joint strike against the Houthis since Jan. 12.

The Houthis have launched at least six attacks on U.S. and British cargo ships in the Red Sea this week.

The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on international shipping since mid-November last year to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza who have been facing intense Israeli attacks.

The U.S.-British forces have responded with dozens of airstrikes on Houthi targets, including mobile missile launchers and underwater drones, but have failed to deter the group from launching more attacks.■