Israel has launched air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, targeting multiple Red Sea ports and infrastructure sites, in retaliation for continued drone and missile attacks on its territory.
The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that about 20 fighter jets struck Hudaydah, Ras Issa and al-Salif, a power station in Ras Kanatib, and the hijacked cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which it said had been repurposed by the Houthis to monitor maritime shipping for hostile activity.
The military said the targets were directly linked to Iranian weapons transfers and Houthi intelligence-gathering. The Houthis have been accused of installing radar systems on the Galaxy Leader to track international shipping.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of further repercussions, saying: “Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off.”
The Houthis, who control much of north-western Yemen, claimed to have successfully confronted the Israeli assault. Spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group launched a joint missile and drone attack in retaliation, targeting Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, Ashdod and Eilat ports, and a power station in Ashkelon.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in either Yemen or Israel, though sirens were activated across parts of southern Israel and the occupied West Bank. Israel’s military said it was still assessing the success of its interception systems.
The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have regularly targeted Israel with missiles and drones since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, claiming solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The Houthi attacks have disrupted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, with at least three ships seized and two others sunk. On Sunday, the Liberian-flagged Magic Seas, operated by a Greek company, came under intense attack in the Red Sea.
According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was attacked with gunfire, rocket-propelled grenades, sea drones, and missiles. Maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack caused cargo damage and a fire. The ship’s crew were safely rescued by a nearby merchant vessel.
Sarea later confirmed the Houthis were behind the assault on Magic Seas, claiming the ship violated a ban on entry into Israeli ports, though details remain unclear.
Despite a temporary US-Houthi ceasefire deal in May, the Houthis have continued targeting Israeli interests, insisting that their campaign against Israel is unaffected by international mediation efforts.
The Israeli Navy has previously carried out strikes in Hudaydah, a lifeline port for millions of Yemenis dependent on aid. The international community has expressed concern that escalations could further destabilise the region and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Both sides appear braced for further confrontation, with the Houthis stating they are “fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation” and Israel warning of increased military action.
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