Israel has launched a series of air raids on Houthi targets in Yemen, marking a new front in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating they were in response to recent missile attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi militants against Israel over the past two days.
The Israeli Air Force targeted military installations belonging to what they termed the “Houthi terrorist regime” in Yemen. Among the targets were power plants and a seaport, which Israel claims were used by the Houthis to transfer Iranian weapons to the region, as well as military supplies and oil. The strikes have resulted in at least four deaths and 29 injuries, according to a statement from the Houthi-run Health Ministry. Residents of the port city of Hodeidah reported widespread power outages following the bombing.
This military action comes in the wake of increased Houthi aggression towards Israel, with the group repeatedly firing missiles and drones at Israeli targets since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7th. The Houthis claim these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians. In their most recent offensive, the Houthis stated they had launched a ballistic missile on Saturday towards Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, which Israel reported intercepting. Another Houthi missile was intercepted by Israel on Friday.
The Israeli Defense Forces emphasized their determination to continue operations against all threats to Israeli citizens, regardless of distance. They accused the Houthis of operating under Iranian direction and funding over the past year, collaborating with Iraqi militias to undermine regional stability and disrupt global freedom of navigation. This development has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, particularly in light of intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.
