Israel targets Yemen Houthis, vows to hunt leaders

Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, targeting a power station and coastal ports in retaliation for recent missile and drone attacks. The Israeli military stated that fighter jets hit multiple military sites controlled by the Houthis on Yemen’s western coast and inland regions.

The strikes were carried out in response to Houthi-launched missiles and drones aimed at Israel. The military identified key targets, including military infrastructure at the Hizaz power station, a crucial energy source for the Houthis, and facilities in the ports of Hodeida and Ras Issa.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the Houthis were being punished for their continued aggression. He stated that Israel is committed to ensuring the group faces significant consequences for their attacks.

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would actively pursue the leaders of the Houthi organization. He highlighted the damage inflicted on Houthi-held infrastructure, including paralyzing Hodeida port and setting Ras Issa port ablaze, asserting that no one involved would be immune from retaliation.

The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, have been launching missiles and drones toward Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. They describe these actions as expressions of solidarity with the people of Gaza. The Iran-backed group has also targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which has prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and occasionally Britain.

Israel has previously struck Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, including locations in the capital. According to the Israeli military, the Houthis have launched approximately 40 surface-to-surface missiles toward Israel since the Gaza war began, most of which were intercepted. Additionally, around 320 drones have been launched, with Israeli air defenses intercepting over 100.