Barran Press
An explosion at a site in Hodeidah governorate, western Yemen, used for preparing sea mines and explosive boats, reportedly resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including Houthi members and foreign experts, on Wednesday. Informed sources within Hodeidah indicate that the incident occurred on Al-Kathib coast, near a military facility utilized by the Iran-backed Houthi group for launching attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea.
According to local sources, the explosion occurred as Houthi personnel were preparing to deploy an explosive boat and mine-laden vessels. A technical malfunction during the preparation of a sea mine is cited as the likely cause of the blast. Reports suggested that an Iraqi expert was among those killed, and several others sustained injuries, with casualties transferred to Al-Thawra Hospital in Hodeidah.
Conflicting reports exist regarding the cause of the explosion. While local sources attribute it to a technical error, Al Arabiya news reported claims that U.S. airstrikes were responsible.
The incident follows the Houthi announcement on Tuesday of the resumption of their maritime operations in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, targeting commercial vessels linked to Israel. The group cited the blockade on aid to Gaza as justification for their actions. This announcement reverses the Houthi's January 19, 2025, declaration of a suspension of operations, which coincided with reports of a ceasefire in Gaza.