Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port on September 16, escalating tensions in the Red Sea after a missile was fired from Yemen towards Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed it had hit a “military infrastructure site” at Hodeidah port, describing the facility as a hub for transferring weapons from Iran to the Houthis. Officials said the strike was carried out after the group’s latest attacks against Israel and ships in the Red Sea.
According to Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, Israel carried out 12 strikes that directly hit the port’s docks. Two port sources told Reuters the bombardment damaged three docks that had only recently been restored following earlier Israeli attacks. Residents in the area said the strikes lasted for about 10 minutes.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli army issued an evacuation alert, warning civilians and vessels anchored at the port to leave immediately. The warning, given in Arabic by army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, urged people to clear the area “for their safety.”
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Telegram and X that the group’s air defences had engaged Israeli warplanes and forced them to retreat. However, no evidence was provided to support the claim.
After the strikes, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned that the Houthis would “continue to suffer blows” and “pay painful prices” if they continue to attack. According to The Times of Israel, he stated the strikes were meant to uphold the naval and aerial blockade on the Houthi organisation.
The Israeli military also reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen on 16th September, after sirens sounded across central Israel and in West Jerusalem. The Houthis have previously fired drones and missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, and have targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that they claim are linked to Israel.
The recent escalation comes after weeks of heavy Israeli airstrikes in Yemen. In August, attacks in Sanaa and Jawf killed 46 people and injured over 160, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Senior Houthi leaders, including Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, who was killed, and the Defence Minister, were also targeted.
The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, say they will continue their operations. They claim their attacks show support for Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel’s war has been ongoing since October 2023.
Israel says Houthi-held areas, including Hodeidah port, are used by Iran to send weapons to Yemen, allowing the group to strike Israel and threaten Red Sea shipping routes.
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Source: Marine Insight
