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Israeli Air Strikes Target Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Areas in Retaliation for Missile Attack

A series of intense Israeli air raids targeted military and civilian infrastructure in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the port city of Hodeidah on Thursday, resulting in at least nine fatalities, according to Houthi-controlled media.

The strikes followed the interception of a missile fired by the Houthi group towards Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis, who have been conducting attacks on Israeli-linked targets in the Red Sea.

The Israeli military confirmed that its strikes targeted Houthi military positions, including ports and energy infrastructure, in retaliation for the missile attack and ongoing Houthi hostilities over the past 14 months. Israeli airstrikes specifically hit the port of as-Salif and the Ras Isa oil facility in Hodeidah, where seven people were killed. Further strikes also impacted power stations south and north of Sanaa.

In response, the Houthis launched ballistic missile attacks targeting Israel’s Yaffa area, south of Tel Aviv, as part of their continued campaign in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s war on Gaza. The Houthis emphasized that their actions would not cease until Israel halts its military operations in Gaza, which have led to significant casualties, primarily among civilians.

The Israeli military, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz, issued strong warnings to Houthi leaders, declaring that any attack on Israel would result in severe consequences. President Isaac Herzog also claimed that Israel’s air force had delivered a significant blow to the Houthis, aiming to protect Israel and the region.

Houthi officials, including political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, criticized the involvement of the U.S. in Israeli actions, accusing Western powers of hypocrisy for their stance on humanitarian issues. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the Israeli airstrikes, calling them a violation of international law and accusing the U.S. of enabling Israeli actions.

This ongoing conflict has had wider regional implications, with Houthi attacks disrupting shipping in the Red Sea, impacting Israel’s economy by forcing its ships to navigate around Africa instead of using the Eilat port. The Houthis have vowed to continue their offensive until Israel halts its attacks in Gaza and lifts the blockade on the region.

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