Israeli warplanes have conducted extensive airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, targeting three major ports and a power plant in the early hours of Monday, marking the first Israeli attack on Yemen in almost a month. The strikes hit strategic infrastructure including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and As-Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant.
Residents reported that the Israeli strikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah put the main power station out of service, leaving the city in darkness. The attacks represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have been launching drone and missile attacks against Israeli targets.
The Israeli military justified the strikes as retaliation for continued Houthi aggression. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Houthis "will continue to pay, a heavy price for their aggression against" Israel. This latest military action follows a pattern of tit-for-tat attacks that have intensified regional tensions.
The targeted ports are crucial for Yemen's economy and humanitarian supplies. Hodeidah, in particular, serves as a lifeline for the war-torn nation, handling the majority of commercial imports and humanitarian aid. The strikes on power infrastructure have left thousands of civilians without electricity, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region.
This escalation comes amid broader regional tensions, with Israel simultaneously conducting operations in multiple theaters. The Israeli Air Force has been active across Lebanon, Gaza, and allegedly Syria, demonstrating the multi-front nature of current Middle Eastern conflicts.
The international community has expressed concern about the expanding scope of the conflict. The Red Sea region has become increasingly volatile, with commercial shipping routes frequently disrupted by Houthi attacks and retaliatory strikes. These developments threaten to further destabilize an already fragile regional security environment.
Yemen's Houthi-controlled territories have been under siege since 2015, with the Saudi-led coalition's intervention creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The addition of Israeli strikes introduces another layer of complexity to an already devastating conflict, potentially prolonging the suffering of Yemeni civilians caught in the crossfire.
