The Israeli Navy has conducted strikes on the strategic port of Hudaydah, controlled by the Houthi movement, as tensions escalate from ongoing missile threats aimed at Israel.
Israeli Naval Strikes Target Houthi-Controlled Hudaydah Port Amid Rising Tensions
Israeli Naval Strikes Target Houthi-Controlled Hudaydah Port Amid Rising Tensions
Israeli military responds to Houthi missile threats by launching naval strikes in Yemen's Hudaydah port city.
In a notable escalation of military engagement, the Israeli Navy has launched airstrikes against the port city of Hudaydah in Yemen, which is under the control of the Iran-aligned Houthi group. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that these strikes were a defensive measure following the recent missile attacks by the Houthis targeting Israeli territory, aiming to curtail operations that use the port for military purposes.
Reports from local media indicated multiple strikes occurred early on Tuesday, resulting in significant smoke rising from the port area. The Houthi-controlled al-Masirah TV confirmed the strikes and reported no immediate casualties, although it has highlighted that such attacks have not tarnished the morale of Yemeni supporters of Palestine.
The Houthis have been increasingly active in launching missile attacks towards Israel, maintaining that these actions reflect their solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Just last week, Israel intercepted a Houthi missile over Jerusalem, with another having struck the vicinity of Israel's primary airport in the preceding month.
Prior to the strikes, the IDF issued evacuation alerts for personnel located at Hudaydah and two other Houthi-controlled ports, Ras Isa and Salif, warning of potential dangers linked to the "terrorist activities" of the Houthi regime in the region. In response, Houthi representative Nasruddin Amer dismissed the impact of the Israeli attack on their operations, asserting it did not dampen the spirit of their supporters, who continue to protest in support of Gaza.
Hudaydah port is critical for humanitarian logistics, serving as a lifeline for millions of Yemenis reliant on imported food and aid. The port has previously faced Israeli military strikes; one incident last month resulted in casualties and claims from the Houthi health ministry suggested significant operational disruptions.
Since seizing control of vast portions of northwestern Yemen in 2014, the Houthis have frequently engaged in maritime assaults in the Red Sea, threatening international shipping routes of immense strategic importance. Their recent military activities have led to drastic measures by major shipping firms, redirecting vessels away from the Red Sea to circumvent potential hostilities—affecting about 15% of the global trade route.
In light of escalating tensions, former US President Joe Biden initiated airstrikes targeting the Houthis. This American military campaign had been intensified following the resurgence of conflict in the region and a subsequent ceasefire arrangement reached earlier this year. The conflict continues to evolve, with a complex interplay of regional and global powers shaping the humanitarian and security situation in Yemen and its neighboring countries.
