A series of intense airstrikes by Israel early Thursday targeted rebel-held areas of Yemen, resulting in at least nine casualties according to reports from Houthi-controlled media. This military action responded to missile launches by the Iran-backed Houthi group aimed at Israel, marking yet another escalation in the long-standing conflict between the two parties.
The Israeli military conducted what it described as preplanned operations, deploying 14 fighter jets to strike at Houthi military infrastructure across Yemen. The first wave concentrated on key ports, including Hodeida, Salif, and the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea, before hitting energy facilities within the capital, Sanaa. According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari of the Israeli Defense Forces, the strikes targeted Houthi resources being allegedly utilized for military operations against Israel.
“The enemy launched several raids targeting the port, and oil facilities used for their aggression,” noted Al Masirah TV, the primary news outlet for the Houthi movement. It reported fatalities including seven individuals at Salif and additional casualties at the Ras Isa terminal. The airstrikes also significantly impacted local power stations, exacerbated the existing energy crisis, and led to civilian infrastructure damage.
The Houthi leadership, claiming responsibility for the missile attacks earlier, announced they had targeted specific military installations within the Tel Aviv area, asserting their operation had been successful. This confrontation is part of broader hostilities wherein the Houthis have expressed solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has already claimed over 45,000 lives, predominantly among women and children.
Israeli officials underscored the necessity of their military response as they have faced over 200 missile and drone attacks directed toward their territory over the past year. Notably, the missile intercepted by the Israeli forces shortly before the airstrikes did not cause any injuries but did leave significant damage to property, including the destruction of a school building from falling debris.
“The attack is part of our commitment to protect the state of Israel from any assault,” Defense Minister Israel Katz warned. He reiterated Israel's stance of retaliatory action against those who directly engage with or threaten the nation. Speaking on social media after the strikes, Katz asserted, “Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off.”
Analysts are noting the heightened tension around the Red Sea, as the Houthis continue to threaten shipping lanes, claiming these maneuvers aim to counter Israeli and allied activities believed linked to the conflict with Hamas. The Houthis’ aggression also includes significant attacks on vessels associated with Israel, effectively disrupting trade routes, which many believe has wider ramifications for international maritime shipping.
The repercussions of this latest military action include dire forecasts for Yemeni civilian life. Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen analyst, indicated these strikes would create immediate hardships, stating, “Approximately one quarter of Sanaa will face immediate severe disruptions.”
The incident has drawn international attention, particularly concerning the involvement of Iran, which backs the Houthis. Iranian officials condemned the airstrikes, describing them as gross violations of international law.
While Israel is focusing on mitigating the threat posed by the Houthis, Washington's role remains complex, balancing its ties with regional allies against calls for humanitarian relief efforts as the situation deteriorates. The U.S. has previously targeted Houthi positions but has emphasized the importance of negotiating peace and preventing escalation.
Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, as the conflict poses risks of wider regional instability. Given the volatile situation, experts note the likelihood of continued retaliatory actions from either side, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement to prevent worsening hostilities.
The Houthi fighters have made it clear they will not cease their operations until certain conditions concerning the Palestinian conflict are met. Their statement reiterated their commitment to respond vigorously to any aggression, linking their military actions directly to the fate of civilians suffering under the prolonged siege and conflict.
With tensions mounting, both the Israeli government and Houthi leaders frame their narratives around justified defense and retaliation, complicity with foreign entities, and compelled actions amid humanitarian crises. The situation remains fragile, with calls for restraint and renewed dialogues becoming increasingly urgent.
