The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed its involvement in a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi military sites in Yemen, including Sana’a International Airport and key infrastructure hubs. The IDF stated that these strikes were a response to the Houthi regime's persistent attacks against Israel and its citizens, which have involved both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and surface-to-surface missiles.
Plumes of dark smoke were observed near Sana’a International Airport in Yemen after the reported Israeli airstrikes. (Reuters)
The IDF specified that the targeted locations included military installations utilized by the Houthis at Sana’a International Airport, the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, and infrastructure at the Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib ports. This action follows recent threats from Israel's defense minister to retaliate against Houthi leadership for missile attacks originating from Yemen.
An image released by the European Union's Operation Aspides naval force depicts the oil tanker Sounion ablaze in the Red Sea after a series of attacks attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels. (European Union's Operation Aspides via AP)
The Houthi rebels, who dominate much of northern Yemen, have been launching attacks on Israel for over a year, aligning themselves with Hamas. Their actions have included targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea, a crucial international trade route, in an attempt to impose an embargo on Israel. Since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, the Houthis have reportedly launched over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel and attacked more than six dozen commercial vessels, primarily near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, the southern entrance to the Suez Canal.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz observes the situation amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Jerusalem, November 7, 2024. (REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
A recent projectile launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, resulting in minor injuries to 16 individuals, marking a rare failure of Israeli defense systems. Following this, Israel targeted several locations in Houthi-controlled Yemen, including power stations in Sana’a. Israeli officials have warned of further action, including targeting Houthi leadership, if the attacks continue. Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated this stance, drawing parallels to past actions against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also called for patience, indicating a potential escalation of military action against the Houthis in the near future.
