The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on multiple Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen. These attacks targeted key locations, including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Khatib power station. These sites were being used by the Iran-backed Houthi group to transfer weapons and carry out terror activities against Israel and international shipping routes, the IDF confirmed to The Times of Israel.
Local media reported that one of the major targets was the “Galaxy Leader” vessel, which the Houthis hijacked in November 2023. The ship is now being used for maritime surveillance and operational planning by the Houthi regime.
The IDF stated that these strikes were a direct response to repeated missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis against Israeli territory. The military also said that the group will use civilian infrastructure for military purposes, putting innocent lives at risk.
ISRAEL’S DEFENSE MINISTER WARNS HOUTHIS OF HEAVY PRICE
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as “intense.” Katz said the strikes targeted the Houthi terror regime’s positions in the three ports and included the power station and the hijacked Galaxy Leader ship in the Red Sea.
“The IDF is currently intensely striking targets of the Houthi’s terror regime in the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif,” Katz said in a statement as quoted by The Times of Israel. He added, “As I warned, Yemen will be treated like Tehran. Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.”
Residents living near the targeted areas reported hearing loud explosions as the airstrikes took place. These attacks came after IDF issued evacuation orders for residents in and around the three Houthi-controlled ports and the Ras Khatib power station.
The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, issued urgent evacuation warnings on social media for the ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif, urging all civilians to leave the areas immediately. He also warned those inside the Ras Al-Katheeb power station to evacuate due to the impending strikes.
HOUTHI ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
The Houthi group has continued to launch drone and missile attacks on Israel even after a ceasefire was signed with Iran last month. These ongoing assaults have led Israel to take military action against Houthi targets in Yemen.
The IDF believes that these strikes are necessary to protect Israeli citizens and shipping routes from Houthi threats.
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