Aden - Houthi Militia in Yemen disclosed on Sunday that the major Red Sea ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa incurred substantial losses amounting to approximately $1.4 billion from July 2024 to May this year, attributed to airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel.

During a press conference held in Hodeidah, the Houthi-controlled Red Sea Ports Corporation highlighted the devastating impact of the airstrikes on civilian port infrastructure and operational facilities. 

The attacks resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure such as docks, main cranes, power stations, generators, and logistical facilities across the three key ports.

The corporation further detailed the extensive damage inflicted upon essential facilities, including floating docks, tugboats, and warehouses dedicated to unloading vital supplies like food, relief aid, and medical provisions. 

Urging immediate support for reconstruction efforts, the corporation emphasised the urgent need to restore operational capabilities to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.

The conflict escalated with the Houthis targeting Israel and Israeli-affiliated vessels since November 2023, in a symbolic show of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza. In response, Israel initiated airstrikes on Houthi targets, triggering a cycle of retaliatory actions.

The United States joined the fray in January 2024, conducting regular air raids and strikes on Houthi positions as part of a collaborative effort to curb the armed group’s activities. In retaliation, the Houthis broadened their attacks to include U.S. vessels, intensifying the conflict dynamics in the region.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a directive in mid-March for “decisive and powerful military action” against the Houthis following their announcement of plans to resume assaults on Israeli vessels in the Red Sea. 

The Houthis cited Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as a primary motivation for their actions.