SRINAGAR: Israel’s military launched a series of airstrikes early Monday targeting ports and infrastructure controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who retaliated by firing a missile at Israel, according to official statements from both sides, Associated Press reported.
As per a CBC report, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed strikes on several Houthi-held locations, including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The IDF stated that these sites were being used by the Iran-backed Houthi movement to transfer arms and coordinate attacks against Israel and international shipping, including the installation of a radar system on the hijacked vessel Galaxy Leader to monitor maritime traffic.
The escalation follows a suspected Houthi attack on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red Sea on Sunday. The ship caught fire and began taking on water, forcing the crew to abandon it. Security sources indicated that bomb-laden drone boats, small arms, and rocket-propelled grenades were used in the assault, which fits the profile of previous Houthi operations.
Shortly before the strikes, the IDF issued evacuation warnings for the targeted areas. Residents in Hodeidah reported that the airstrikes knocked out the city’s main power station, leaving the area in darkness. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
In response to the Israeli airstrikes, the Houthi military claimed to have launched a missile at Israel. The Israeli military said it attempted to intercept the missile, but it appeared to have struck its target, with no immediate reports of injuries. Houthi-run media and spokespeople denounced the Israeli attacks, arguing they targeted civilian infrastructure and vowing continued resistance, CNN reported.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared the strikes part of “Operation Black Flag,” warning that the Houthis would “continue to pay a heavy price for their actions” and drawing a parallel to Israel’s recent campaign against Iran. Katz stated, “Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off,” a BBC report states.
The Houthi movement, which has fired dozens of missiles and drones at Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, claims its attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians. Most missiles have been intercepted, but the group has repeatedly targeted Israeli territory and shipping in the Red Sea.
This latest exchange comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelling to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump, and amid ongoing uncertainty over a possible ceasefire in Gaza and renewed nuclear negotiations with Iran.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides signalling the potential for further escalation.
