Israel Strikes Houthi Targets Across Yemen

Israeli military forces launched coordinated airstrikes early Monday targeting multiple Houthi-controlled locations in Yemen, including key ports along the Red Sea coastline. The attacks focused on strategic infrastructure in Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as a nearby power station, in what Israeli officials described as a response to ongoing threats from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

According to the Israeli military, the airstrikes were aimed at degrading what it called terror-related infrastructure used by the Houthis to support operations against Israel. Among the targets was a vessel previously seized by the Houthis in late 2023, which Israel believes was converted into a radar surveillance platform for monitoring maritime activity in the Red Sea. The strikes marked a continuation of Israel’s broader campaign to disrupt hostile actions linked to Iranian influence in the region.

Missile Launches and Counterattacks Intensify Tensions

Shortly after the Israeli operation, the Houthis responded by launching two missiles in the direction of Israel. Israeli defense systems were mobilized to intercept the projectiles, and there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The launches signaled a swift escalation following the strikes, as hostilities between the two sides intensified.

Houthi-affiliated media outlets confirmed the Israeli airstrikes, reporting damage to port facilities and power infrastructure. A warning had been issued by the Israeli military shortly before the attacks were carried out. The Houthis later claimed that their retaliatory missile launches were specifically aimed at Israeli military and logistical targets.

In the past several months, Israel has repeatedly targeted sites in Yemen, including airstrips and military storage areas, in an effort to curb the Houthi group’s drone and missile capabilities. The Houthis have maintained a persistent campaign of aerial attacks against Israel since October 2023, aligning themselves with Palestinian factions amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Ongoing Hostilities in the Red Sea and Strategic Waterways

The latest flare-up comes amid increased Houthi aggression toward international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted vessels they associate with Israeli, American, or British ownership, often using drones and missiles to disable commercial ships. In one recent attack, a cargo vessel was struck and later abandoned by its crew following damage sustained from multiple assault methods.

In January 2024, the United States and United Kingdom launched a joint military campaign to secure maritime routes through the Red Sea. In response, the Houthis broadened their list of targets to include Western-linked vessels. Although a ceasefire was negotiated between the United States and the Houthi group in May, which temporarily reduced attacks on U.S. interests, the Houthis declared that they would continue to target Israeli-related assets.