Fresh U.S.-British airstrikes hit northern Yemen

SANAA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-British coalition launched three airstrikes on Yemen's northern province of Saada before dawn on Tuesday, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The strikes targeted sites in the eastern part of the province's capital city, which bears the same name, the Houthi television said without elaborating.

The fresh airstrikes occurred following a reported missile attack towards the Red Sea.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the U.S. military struck two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles in Yemen.

The command said in a statement that the strikes were launched at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sanaa time, and the targets were deemed "an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region."

The airstrikes are part of an ongoing military response by Washington and London since Jan. 12, targeting Houthi-controlled areas of Sanaa and other northern provinces. The actions are reportedly in retaliation for Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, who have been engaging in military actions in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since last November, claim to be targeting Israeli ships and vessels sailing to Israel.

These actions unfold against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Gaza since October. The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation.