The Kuwaiti government has expressed deep concern over the "unprecedented" Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni territory, warning of a potential security deterioration in the region.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes, stating that they "will lead to a deterioration of the security situation in the region and undermine efforts to end the cycle of violence." The statement was carried by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Kuwait reiterated its stance on the need to shield the region and its people from the dangers of violence and destruction. The statement also stressed the importance of the international community and the UN Security Council fulfilling their responsibilities in ending all conflicts.

Kuwait reaffirmed its continued support for efforts to restore security and stability in Yemen and spare its brotherly people further suffering.

On Saturday, powerful explosions rocked the city of Hodeidah following airstrikes that Houthi media claimed targeted oil storage facilities in the port. The attacks resulted in casualties.

Israel later claimed responsibility for the strikes. An Israeli military spokesperson said: "Our warplanes carried out strikes against targets belonging to the Houthi regime in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen." The spokesperson added that the strikes were "retaliation for Houthi attacks over the past months."

Last Friday, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported the death of one Israeli and injuries to 10 others after a drone crashed in Tel Aviv. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it "the first of its kind."

Since November 2023, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has continued its attacks using missiles and drones against commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. Meanwhile, US forces have been carrying out strikes against Houthi military targets intermittently.

Since January 12, the number of US and British airstrikes against the Houthis on the ground has reached approximately 560, resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuries to 86 others, according to the group's own admission.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government argues that Western strikes are ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat to navigation and that the most effective solution is to support its armed forces in retaking Hodeidah and its ports, along with other areas controlled by the group.

Despite the group's continued claim of responsibility for more maritime attacks, only three ships out of 162 reported being targeted since November, with no serious incidents or injuries.