Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen, targeting key infrastructure and Houthi military positions.
The strikes came after a missile fired by Houthi fighters was intercepted on its way to Israel, the Israeli military confirmed on Thursday morning.
The targeted sites included power plants, an oil facility, and a port in Hodeidah, Yemen’s western coastal city.
The Israeli military released a statement detailing the operation.
“Following the approval of attack plans by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Air Force fighter jets, under the direction of the Intelligence and Navy branches, recently attacked military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the western coastal strip and deep inside Yemen,” the statement read.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari elaborated on the objectives of the airstrikes.
“Our forces targeted Houthi military sites, ports, and energy infrastructure in Sanaa and Hodeidah. These operations are a direct response to the missile attack and months of aggression from the Houthis,” Hagari said.
Houthi Forces Claim Civilian Targets Hit
The Houthi-aligned Al Masirah TV channel condemned the strikes, calling them “aggressive raids.”
According to the channel, two central power plants in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, were struck.
In Hodeidah, the port city suffered four airstrikes, with additional raids hitting the Ras Isa oil facility.
Yemen’s state-run news agency, SABA, also reported casualties from the strikes on Hodeidah.
“Two raids targeted the Ras Isa oil facility, killing and injuring some employees,” SABA stated.
Missiles and Retaliation: The Context
The attacks are the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi forces.
For months, Houthi fighters have been launching missiles and drones toward Israel and shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
The Red Sea has become a flashpoint in the broader Middle East conflict, as both sides target critical shipping routes and infrastructure.
Wider Implications of the Airstrikes
The strikes on Yemen could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
Energy experts warn that the targeting of oil facilities could disrupt fuel supplies and escalate tensions in the global oil market.
Humanitarian groups have expressed concerns about the impact on Yemeni civilians, who are already suffering from years of war and economic collapse.
The destruction of power plants in Sanaa is likely to worsen living conditions for millions of Yemenis.
“This attack further cripples Yemen’s infrastructure, pushing the country deeper into crisis,” said a representative from an international aid organization.
Israel’s Justification
Israel’s military insists the strikes were necessary to neutralize threats from the Houthis.
“The Houthi regime has been attacking Israel and its allies for over a year. This was a decisive response to their provocations,” said an Israeli defense analyst.
The missile intercepted on Wednesday night was reportedly the latest in a series of attacks over the past 14 months.
These strikes, according to Israeli officials, are part of a broader campaign to secure its borders and shipping routes.
Houthi Solidarity With Palestine
The Houthis have openly declared their support for Palestinians, especially in the context of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Their attacks on Israel and its shipping interests are framed as acts of solidarity with Gaza.
“The Houthi attacks are symbolic but also strategic,” said a Middle East expert.
“They are trying to draw international attention to the Gaza crisis while weakening Israel’s position in the Red Sea.”
A Region on Edge
The airstrikes come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where several conflicts overlap.
Israel’s war in Gaza, the civil war in Yemen, and broader rivalries involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States all intersect in this volatile region.
Analysts believe that the situation could escalate further if key players do not seek diplomatic solutions.
