DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A wave of fierce Israeli airstrikes rocked Yemen’s capital, which is under Houthi control, as well as a port city early Thursday morning, resulting in at least nine fatalities according to official reports. This military action came shortly after a Houthi missile was launched toward central Israel.
These airstrikes mark an increase in Israel’s efforts against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who until now had faced less intense military action compared to the Palestinian Hamas and the Hezbollah group based in Lebanon, both of which are also aligned with Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance.”
In the meantime, tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified, with both sides engaging in direct exchanges of fire. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing collapse of Syria—a long-time adversary of Israel—amidst a rebel resurgence that has disrupted Iran’s network of allied proxy groups in the region.
The recent airstrikes carry the potential to escalate tensions with the Houthis, whose activities in the Red Sea corridor have significantly impacted global shipping routes. The Houthi-controlled media outlet al-Masirah reported that the strikes targeted vital power stations in the capital as well as the Ras Isa oil terminal along the Red Sea. The channel, citing its reporter in the port city of Hodeida, stated that at least seven individuals lost their lives at the port, while an additional two fatalities were reported at the oil terminal.
An official military statement from Israel did not specify the exact targets that were struck. It did, however, assert, “The targets targeted by the Israeli military were utilized by Houthi forces for military activities.” The statement further claimed that these strikes weaken the Houthi regime, hindering its ability to use these locations for military endeavors and for trafficking Iranian arms into the region.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari asserted that the strikes significantly impacted energy and port infrastructure, which he alleged have been exploited by the Houthis in ways that bolster their military capabilities. He emphasized that “Israel will not hesitate to take action to protect itself and its citizens from Houthi assaults.”
The rebel-held area of Hodeida, located around 145 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, is crucial for importing food into Yemen amid its ongoing conflict. There is persistent speculation that the port has been a conduit for transferring arms from Iran.
The airstrikes occurred immediately after Israel’s military announced that its air force intercepted a missile that was fired from Yemen, preventing it from entering Israeli territory. Following the interception, the Israeli military warned about the potential for falling debris, which led to air raid sirens being activated near Tel Aviv and in adjacent areas. At the time, a significant explosion was reported in the sky, although the Houthis did not immediately take responsibility for the missile attack, stating that they would release a significant military statement shortly thereafter, as per their customary communication protocol.
Israel had previously targeted Hodeida and its oil facilities in July, following a Houthi drone strike that resulted in one death and ten injuries in Tel Aviv. Over the past year, U.S. forces have also undertaken various strikes against the Houthis in response to their activities affecting maritime security in the Red Sea. Just days ago, U.S. Central Command confirmed a strike on what was described as a key command-and-control facility for the Houthis in Sanaa. However, Thursday’s airstrikes were conducted solely by Israel.
Since October 2023, following a devastating Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, the Houthis have targeted around 100 merchant vessels using missiles and drones. These actions are part of ongoing hostilities that have seen Israel intensifying its military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly led to the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
The Houthis claim to have seized one vessel and sunk two, actions that have also resulted in the casualties of four sailors. Some missiles and drones aimed at various targets have been intercepted by coalitions led by the U.S. and Europe in the Red Sea, while others have failed to reach their intended destinations, which have included military vessels from Western nations.
The rebels declare that their strikes target ships connected to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., seeking to compel an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, numerous vessels hit in these attacks bear little to no association with the ongoing conflict, including ships bound for Iran.
In the broader context, the Houthis have engaged in a stalemate against a Saudi-led coalition during the Yemeni war, which has resulted in over 150,000 deaths, a significant number of whom are civilians. This protracted conflict has spawned one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, believed to have claimed even more lives.