The Israeli military has recently conducted strikes against Houthi targets across three Yemeni ports—Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif—as well as a power plant at Ras Qantib. This marks Israel’s first military action in Yemen in nearly a month. As the military noted, these strikes are a response to the persistent missile attacks on Israel launched by Houthi forces.
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Just hours following these strikes, the Israeli military reported that two missiles had been fired from Yemen towards Israel. Efforts were made to intercept these projectiles, though the results of the interception are currently under review.
Interestingly, the Israeli ambulance service indicated that it had not received any notifications related to missile impacts or potential casualties in Israel following these recent launches.
In fact, most of the missiles and drones aimed at Israel have either been intercepted successfully or have fallen short of their targets, showcasing the effectiveness of Israeli defense systems. In light of the ongoing hostilities, Israel has executed a series of retaliatory strikes against Houthi positions.
One notable target was the Galaxy Leader ship, docked in Ras Isa port and previously seized by the Houthis in late 2023. The Israeli military stated, “The Houthi terrorist regime’s forces installed a radar system on the ship, using it to track vessels in international maritime space, thereby facilitating the operations of the Houthi forces.”
In a statement following the air strikes, Houthi military spokesperson asserted that their air defenses effectively confronted the Israeli attack, employing a substantial number of domestically-produced surface-to-air missiles.
Residents of Hodeidah reported that the Israeli strikes have knocked out the main power station, plunging the city into darkness. However, there are no immediate reports of casualties from the ongoing military actions.
Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported a series of strikes on Hodeidah, which coincided with an Israeli military warning urging people to evacuate the three affected Yemeni ports. This assault occurred shortly after an unidentified attack on a ship off the coast of Hodeidah, leading to the crew abandoning ship as it began to take on water. While no group claimed responsibility for that attack, the security firm Ambrey suggested the vessel may have been a typical target for Houthi forces.
Israel’s military actions are not isolated; it has previously inflicted significant damage on allies of Iran in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas. However, groups like the Tehran-backed Houthis and pro-Iranian armed factions in Iraq continue to pose challenges.
Under the leadership of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis have evolved from a small band of mountain fighters into a formidable force with tens of thousands of fighters, equipped with armed drones and ballistic missiles. While Saudi Arabia and Western countries assert that these advanced arms have Iranian origins, Tehran firmly denies such allegations.
On another note, Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah television recently reported that the “Israeli enemy is targeting the port of Hodeidah,” adding details on the strikes on the ports of Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Al-Kathib power station. The Houthis have extended their campaign to include attacks on vessels associated with the United States and United Kingdom, particularly since military operations were initiated in January 2024 to secure vital waterways.
Earlier this year, in May, the Houthis reached a ceasefire agreement with the United States that put an end to weeks of intense U.S. strikes. Nevertheless, they have pledged to continue targeting Israeli ships, indicating the ongoing volatility in the region.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
