ADEN/SANAA, Yemen - Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen's Houthi group, revealed on Thursday that 73 people have been killed and 181 injured since the beginning of their military operations against Israel in October 2023.

These operations, which the Houthis claim are "in support of the Palestinian people", have escalated tensions in the region and drawn international attention.

Al-Houthi's statement, broadcast on the group's Al-Masirah TV channel, detailed the toll of what they call the "Promised Victory" battle. This campaign has coincided with increased military activity in the Red Sea region, including attacks on vessels the Houthis claim are linked to Israel.

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The Houthi leader also addressed recent US military actions in Yemen, stating that American fighter jets conducted 10 airstrikes this week alone. Eight of these strikes reportedly targeted the coastal province of Hodeidah on the Red Sea, with additional strikes in Hajjah province and Sanaa.

These US and British airstrikes, which began in January 2024, are in response to the Houthis' naval attacks on shipping in the region.

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In his speech, the leader of Yemen's Houthi group reiterated threats to retaliate against Israel, particularly in response to recent events including the targeting of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.  

According to Al-Masirah TV, the US-British coalition conducted an airstrike on the port city of Hodeidah on Thursday evening.

The strike reportedly targeted the northwestern al-Salif district, but details on casualties were not immediately available. Residents on social media reported a significant explosion near a Houthi-controlled site.

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The US-led coalition has not yet commented on the strike.

On Wednesday, US Central Command announced on social media platform X that its forces had destroyed two Houthi vessels in the Red Sea, citing them as presenting a "clear and imminent threat" to US and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels in the region.