Houthi media report Saudi strikes on Yemen's rebel--held Hodeida

Saudi Arabia launched strikes on Yemen's Houthi-held Hodeida, rebel media said on Friday, with a security source telling AFP Houthi sites were hit as tensions rise after the group announced a maritime blockade of the kingdom.

The flare-up followed an attack on a Saudi ship, as the rebels announced this week a maritime blockade of the kingdom, threatening the top oil exporter's ability to supply the world following Iran's parallel blockade of the Strait of Hormuz -- Riyadh's only other maritime route

"A Saudi aggression targeted Hodeida province," the rebels' Al-Masirah TV channel reported in a post.

People in Hodeida also heard the sounds of explosions, with one witness saying the sounds were heard close to the port.

A Yemeni security source said facilities belonging to the Houthis had been hit, while rebel media cited facilities belonging to the telecoms authority and Kamaran island as having been targeted.

Earlier Friday, Saudi state media cited a transport authority official as saying "the vessel (NCC MASA), belonging to a Saudi company, was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea today... resulting in minor damage to the vessel's hull".

The ship resumed its course, the SPA added.

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