The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, including the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, following ongoing missile attacks from the Iran-backed group. The strikes prompted retaliatory missile launches towards Israel, with both sides declaring readiness for continued confrontation.
Israel Targets Houthi Ports and Cargo Ship Amid Ongoing Hostilities
Israel Targets Houthi Ports and Cargo Ship Amid Ongoing Hostilities
Israeli airstrikes hit strategic locations in Yemen, including a cargo ship and key ports, in retaliation to missile launches aimed at Israeli territory.
The Israeli military has announced a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen as a direct response to ongoing missile and drone attacks directed at Israel. Key locations affected by the strikes include the Red Sea ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and al-Salif, as well as the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which had previously been hijacked by Houthi rebels. The Israeli military contends that the Galaxy Leader was utilized to monitor international shipping movements.
In retaliation, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed that the Iran-aligned group successfully defended against Israeli attacks and subsequently launched missiles towards Israel, including targets like Ben Gurion Airport and various ports in Israeli territory. No casualties have been confirmed from the Israeli strikes, while a siren warning system was activated in several regions of southern Israel and the West Bank.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the Houthis would face significant repercussions for their actions, stating, "Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed." The military's operation involved around 20 fighter jets and was portrayed as an aggressive stance against perceived threats from the Houthi faction, which they allege has been facilitating arms supplies from Iran.
According to reports from the Houthi-controlled media outlet Al-Masirah TV, Israeli strikes targeted not only the ports but also the Ras Kanatib power station located north of Hudaydah. This facility is claimed to provide electricity for Houthi military operations.
The situation between Israel and the Houthis has escalated noticeably since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, with Houthis frequently launching missile attacks in solidarity with Palestinian groups. They have previously claimed responsibility for sinking two vessels and capturing another in the region, escalating regional tensions.
In a separate incident, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas came under attack from Houthi forces in the Red Sea, resulting in damage and a fire onboard. The attack was reportedly carried out using drones and missiles, which left the vessel at risk of sinking.
With the Houthis demonstrating a willingness to continue their assaults, both sides appear poised for further military engagements, leaving regional stability hanging in the balance.
