Israel Strikes Yemen Ports, Warns Houthi Leaders
Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Yemen’s key Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Salif in response to recent missile attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthi group. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the operations were carried out to “deepen the damage to the Houthis’ terror capabilities” and disrupt their ability to transfer weapons through maritime routes.
Israel Yemen Strikes
The IDF confirmed that both Hodeidah and Salif ports had been used by the Houthis for weapons smuggling and operational support. “The ports have been used as terror infrastructure by the Houthis,” the Israeli military stated, emphasizing that they took steps to avoid civilian harm by issuing advance warnings and urging residents to evacuate.
Despite these warnings, the Houthi-run health ministry reported at least one civilian death and nine injuries following the strikes. Video footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the targeted port installations, as emergency services scrambled in the aftermath.
Houthi Missile Attacks
The Israeli strike came hours after a Houthi-fired ballistic missile landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Although the missile did not cause any casualties, it marked a major escalation in cross-regional hostilities. The Houthis have claimed these attacks as acts of retaliation and solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warned:
“If the Houthis continue to fire missiles at the State of Israel, they will be severely harmed, and we will also hurt the leaders.”
They further suggested that Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi could meet the same fate as Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar or Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, both of whom are under constant Israeli threat.
Red Sea Conflict
The growing instability in the Red Sea region has alarmed global shipping operators. Houthi attacks on international vessels, along with attempted missile launches toward Israel, have raised concerns over the safety of one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
Israeli authorities claim that neutralizing Houthi naval capabilities is essential not only for Israel’s national security but also to protect international shipping. The port strikes are being seen as a warning shot to discourage further military provocations in the region.
With tensions running high, the risk of the Yemen conflict spilling further across borders remains real. As of now, both Israel and the Houthis show no signs of de-escalation, and regional players continue to monitor developments closely.
