Israel Retaliates Against Houthi Attacks with Airstrikes in Yemen

Israeli Airstrikes Target Yemen in Retaliation for Houthi Attacks

On Friday, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes against a power station and two ports in Yemen, controlled by the Houthi rebels. This action was a direct retaliation for recent Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel.

The strikes targeted the Red Sea port of Ras Issa, the major port of Hodeidah, and the Hezyaz central power station in Yemen's capital Sanaa. Additionally, Harf Sufyan District in Amran province was also hit by air attacks.

According to Al Masirah TV, the main news outlet run by the Houthis, at least one person was killed and nine others were injured in the attacks. An employee at the Ras Issa port was killed, and six others were injured. Three people, including a worker, were wounded in the strikes on Hezyaz.

The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating that over 20 aircraft participated in the operation, dropping around 50 bombs and missiles. The operation required airborne refueling during the 2,000-kilometer flight.

The Israeli military statement justified the attacks by claiming that the power station served as a "central source of energy for the Houthi terrorist regime in its military activities." They also stated that the targeted locations were examples of the "Houthis' exploitation of civilian infrastructure."

This recent escalation follows a series of Houthi attacks against Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023. These attacks were conducted in support of Palestinian militants engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza.

In response to the Houthi attacks, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Houthi-held areas of Yemen. British and U.S. forces in the region have also taken similar actions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is only at the beginning of its campaign against the Houthis. This statement suggests that further escalation and conflict are likely in the near future.