This photo taken with a mobile phone shows smoke rising from an Al-Siyanah military position after an airstrike in Sanaa powerballcost , Yemen on June 7 powerballcost , 2024. (Photo by Mohamed Azaki/Xinhua)

SANAA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and British warplanes struck Houthi targets in Yemen's capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Friday, Houthi media and residents said.

In Sanaa, at least four airstrikes hit the Al-Siyanah military position, according to Houthi media and residents. The strikes caused explosions and sent plumes of smoke rising from the area.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) did not immediately comment on the airstrikes. Earlier on Friday, CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces in the Red Sea had intercepted and destroyed eight Houthi drones in the previous 24 hours.

Houthi-run al-Masirah television said the Sanaa strikes were accompanied by additional raids targeting Houthi positions in Hodeidah, including the city's airport.

On Thursday, the Houthis claimed a joint drone attack with an Iraqi group targeting Israeli ships in Haifa, a claim denied by the Israeli military.

The Houthi group, controlling northern Yemen including Sanaa, began launching attacks on ships they believe are linked to Israel in the Red Sea last November, in solidarity with Palestinians.

The U.S.-British naval coalition has responded with air and missile strikes since January to deter the Houthis. However, these efforts have been met with an escalation in attacks from the Houthis, now targeting both U.S. and British vessels. ■

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows smoke rising from an Al-Siyanah military position after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen on June 7, 2024. (Photo by Mohamed Azaki/Xinhua)