'Seven children killed' in Saudi-led Yemen airstrikes in Hodeidah

Twelve civilians including seven children were killed in Saudi-led airstrikes on a house in Yemen, Reuters reported Monday.

The airstrikes killed members of a family of Yemeni refugees in the coastal city of Hodeidah, medics told the news agency.

Security sources told AFP that 16 people were killed in the strike on the rebel Houthi-run area, but did not mention whether the victims were civilians or military.

Houthi-linked al-Masirah news agency reported two strikes on a camp for displaced persons. Security sources disputed this and said there are no camps in the area and that the home of a Houthi commander was the target.

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson told Reuters they are looking into the claims.

"We take this report very seriously and it will be fully investigated as all reports of this nature are - using an internationally approved, independent process. Whilst this is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further." 

Saudi Arabia, along with its Gulf allies, began air strikes on Yemen in March 2015, when the internationally-recognised government was forced out of Sanaa following a Houthi takeover of the capital in September 2014.

At least 10,000 people have been killed in the war, the vast majority civilians, while famine has gripped the country due to blockades.

Hodeidah is Yemen's biggest port and a major entrance point for aid. A Saudi-led blockade has limited the reach of NGOs and humanitarian groups to distribute aid to those in need.