The Israeli military has announced it conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, citing retaliation for ongoing missile and drone attacks targeting Israel.
According to the military, the strikes hit key Red Sea locations including the ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and al-Salif, as well as a nearby power station and the cargo ship Galaxy Leader. The ship, seized by the Houthis in November 2023, was reportedly being used to track international maritime movements.
A spokesperson for the Houthi military claimed the group’s air defenses “successfully” repelled the Israeli assault. No casualties have been reported.
Shortly after the strikes, the Israeli military reported that two missiles were launched from Yemen in response.
Sirens blared across parts of the occupied West Bank and southern Israel as missile alerts were activated. The military stated it is reviewing its missile interception efforts.
Houthi-Run TV: Israeli Airstrikes Hit Yemeni Ports, Power Station
Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV reported that Israeli airstrikes on Sunday night targeted several locations, including Yemeni ports and the Ras Kanatib power station, located north of Hudaydah. The report offered no further information regarding casualties or the extent of the damage.
According to the Israeli military, around 20 fighter jets were involved in the operation, which was described as a response to “repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel, its civilians, and critical infrastructure.” These attacks, it claimed, included the launch of drones and surface-to-surface missiles aimed at Israeli territory.
Israel accused the Houthis of using the targeted ports to transfer weapons from Iran. It also alleged that Houthi forces had equipped the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader with a radar system used to monitor international maritime traffic and aid in planning future attacks.
The Ras Kanatib power plant, which supplies electricity to the cities of Ibb and Taizz, was said to have been used to support Houthi military operations.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning, saying the Houthis would “continue to pay a heavy price” for their actions. He added on X (formerly Twitter), “The fate of Yemen is the same as the fate of Tehran. Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have that hand cut off.”
In response, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated Monday that their air defences had successfully countered the Israeli attacks and foiled plans to hit multiple Yemeni cities.
Sarea said the Houthis launched a retaliatory strike involving 11 missiles and drones, targeting Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, the ports of Ashdod and Eilat, and a power station in Ashkelon. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting Palestinians and declared the Houthis were “fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation” with Israel.
Houthis Attack Greek-Operated Ship in Red Sea, Claim Link to Israel Port Ban
Houthi forces attacked the Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier, in the Red Sea on Sunday, hitting it with gunfire, grenades, sea drones, and missiles. Two drones struck the vessel, damaging cargo and sparking a fire.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the crew was rescued by a nearby merchant ship.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed responsibility, saying the ship’s operator violated a ban on accessing Israeli ports. He warned the vessel was at risk of sinking due to a leak.
The attack comes amid ongoing Houthi strikes on international shipping and Israeli targets, despite a recent ceasefire with the U.S.
