Israel Intensifies Campaign Against Houthi Positions in Yemen

In a significant development, Israel has conducted air strikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, asserting that such actions are necessary to combat Iranian-backed threats. The Israeli military has issued warnings, claiming these strikes are a direct response to increasing attacks against Israel.

Israel has intensified its military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen, launching air strikes on key locations, including the strategic port of Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Saif. The operations, which began shortly after the Israeli military released evacuation orders for civilians in the affected areas, aim to disrupt the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced via social media that this operation, termed "Operation Black Flag," has targeted Houthi positions, including a power station and a commercial ship, the Galaxy Leader, hijacked by the Houthis two years prior. Early reports from Houthi media indicated that air strikes had indeed struck Hudaydah, though specific details regarding damages or casualties were not disclosed.

Katz warned that the Houthis would incur a "heavy price" for their actions, further stating that any adversary of Israel would face severe consequences. The Israeli Air Force justified the strikes as a necessary response to what they described as "repeated attacks" launched by the Houthis, including missile strikes on Israeli territory and assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

In the wake of these attacks, Houthi officials confirmed that their air defenses attempted to intercept the Israeli strikes using missiles. Among the targeted infrastructure was the Ras Kanatib power station, crucial for providing electricity to major cities like Ibb and Taizz.

This latest strike on Hudaydah coincides with ongoing Israeli naval operations in the region, marking an escalation in hostilities that has previously disrupted humanitarian efforts, as Hudaydah serves as a vital entry point for aid to millions of Yemeni citizens. The international community continues to watch closely as tensions mount in this strategically significant area.