The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced airstrikes on several locations in Houthi-controlled territory, including the port of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Khatib power plant.
According to the IDF, the Houthis use these facilities to transfer weapons, organize attacks against Israel, and disrupt maritime traffic in the Red Sea. One of the targets was the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by the Houthis in November 2023. The IDF claims the group uses the ship for "maritime surveillance and planning operations."
The IDF stated the airstrikes were in response to missile and drone attacks on Israel, accusing the Houthis of repeatedly using civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
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F-16 fighter jets take off from an Israeli airbase. Photo: IDF |
F-16 fighter jets take off from an Israeli airbase. Photo: IDF
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that "Yemen will be treated like Tehran". "Anyone who tries to harm Israel will suffer the same fate. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions," he said.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed their air defense units "effectively countered" the Israeli airstrikes, forcing most of the enemy squadron to retreat.
"We launched a large number of domestically produced anti-aircraft missiles, confusing the enemy pilots and command centers. Our air defense units are ready to use all their power to counter Israeli airstrikes on Yemen," he said.
Saree stated the Israeli airstrikes did not affect the Houthis or their military capabilities, emphasizing they would continue their campaign to support the Palestinian people and the Gaza Strip.
"Israel's targeting of seaports, power plants, and civilian infrastructure is an attempt to harm civilians and destroy the livelihoods of the Yemeni people. This is a systematic destruction of civilian facilities unrelated to military activities," said Mohammed Al-Farah, a member of the Houthi political office.
Neither Israel nor the Houthis have released information about casualties related to the airstrikes.
The Israeli operation came after the Houthis announced the launch of a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile towards Ben Gurion Airport southeast of Tel Aviv. The IDF claimed to have successfully intercepted the missile.
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Location of Yemen and Israel. Graphic: AFP |
Location of Yemen and Israel. Graphic: AFP
The Houthis began attacking Israel and ships they believe are connected to the country in the Red Sea in November 2023, claiming it was an act of solidarity with their ally Hamas and the people of Gaza.
The US and its allies have repeatedly attacked Houthi targets in 2024 to force the group to halt its Red Sea campaign. The operation intensified from 15/3, with US officials claiming to have struck over 800 targets in over a month, killing hundreds of Houthi members and commanders.
Despite the intense airstrikes, the Houthis continued to launch missiles and drones at US warships and fire ballistic missiles toward Israel. The group also shot down 22 US MQ-9 Reaper armed drones during the Red Sea campaign. Some US F-16 and F-35 stealth fighters were also nearly hit by anti-aircraft missiles.
In early May, US President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis. Under the agreement, Washington would stop bombing the Houthis, and the group would cease attacks on US warships in the Red Sea. However, there was no provision requiring the Houthis to end attacks on Israeli territory and ships linked to the country in the region.
Nguyen Tien (AFP, Times of Israel, Al Masirah)
