Saudi Arabia carried out strikes in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah late Friday, according to an Al Jazeera report published Saturday, as concerns grew that conflict between the United States and Iran could widen regionally. The Houthi-controlled government threatened a forceful response, saying Saudi targeting of Hodeidah had further complicated the situation and would bring serious consequences for Riyadh.

Houthi-backed Al Masirah said Saudi airstrikes targeted facilities belonging to Yemen’s telecommunications authority. It also said a woman was injured in an attack on Kamaran Island. Reuters, citing witnesses, reported loud explosions at Hodeidah port. The port is a vital lifeline for Houthi-controlled Yemen, with most commercial goods and humanitarian aid entering the blockaded area through it.

The Saudi-led military coalition denied directly striking Hodeidah port. Its spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Maliki, blamed the Houthis for the escalation and criticized their recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. On Wednesday, the Houthis attacked several Saudi oil tankers with drones and missiles, damaging at least one tanker. The Houthis said the vessels had violated their declared maritime blockade.