Israel Launches Strikes on Yemen, Killing 9 After Intercepting Houthi Missile
Israel announced on Thursday that it had targeted ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen, following the interception of a missile fired from the country. Israeli officials warned Houthi leaders, stating, “We will reach you too.”
According to Houthi media, the Israeli strikes hit power stations, oil facilities, and a port in Hodeidah, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to others.
The airstrikes followed the interception of a missile fired by the Houthis towards Israel, who have frequently targeted the country in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Israeli military stated it had carried out “precise strikes” on Houthi military targets, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Houthis have been using to support their military efforts.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “I caution the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israel’s long arm will reach you too.”
Houthi media outlet Al-Masira reported that Israeli forces launched “aggressive raids” in Yemen’s capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. The raids reportedly targeted two major power plants in Sanaa and several sites in Hodeidah, including an oil facility and the Al-Saleef port, where seven people were killed. Two more people died, and others were injured in the strike on the oil facility.
The attacks came after Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen earlier in the week. On Monday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile aimed at “a military target of the Israeli enemy” in Tel Aviv, while an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone launched from Yemen over the Mediterranean.
The Houthis have justified their actions as solidarity with Palestinians and vowed to continue operations until the violence in Gaza ceases and the siege is lifted.
In December, a Houthi drone exploded in a residential building in Yavne, Israel, though no casualties were reported. In July, a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, leading to retaliatory strikes on Hodeidah.
The Houthis have also targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, provoking retaliatory strikes by U.S. and occasionally British forces.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized that the Houthis have become a “global threat,” citing Iran’s alleged support for the group. He added, “We will continue to act against anyone in the Middle East who threatens the state of Israel.”
