In a significant military escalation, Israel has launched air strikes on several Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, specifically targeting three crucial ports: Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Saif. The operation, named "Operation Black Flag," comes in the wake of a series of missile attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels directed at Israel since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes through social media, emphasizing that the Houthi militia would "continue to pay a heavy price" for their aggressions.
Israel Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israel Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israel intensifies military action against Houthi positions in Yemen following recent escalations.
The Israeli military had previously issued evacuation orders for civilians in these targeted areas, signaling the imminent air strikes. While the Houthi-run media has acknowledged the strikes on Hudaydah, details regarding the extent of the damage or number of casualties remain unclear. Katz described the strikes as a response to the Houthi's "repeated attacks" against Israel, asserting that these ports were being utilized for transferring weapons from Iran to execute terror operations against Israel and its allies.
Among the specific targets hit was a power station supplying electricity to the cities of Ibb and Taizz and a commercial vessel, the Galaxy Leader, which had been hijacked by the Houthis in late 2023. Reports indicate that Houthi air defenses attempted to counter Israel's air strikes with their missiles. Throughout this ongoing conflict, Hudaydah has repeatedly been a focal point, serving as a lifeline for humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis while also attracting military strikes from Israeli forces.
In addition to these recent actions, there have been statements indicating a reversal in U.S. policy toward the Houthis, with former President Trump noting a shift in the military strategy concerning attacks against the group. As tensions remain high in the region, the situation continues to evolve, underscoring the volatility of the Middle East conflict landscape.
Among the specific targets hit was a power station supplying electricity to the cities of Ibb and Taizz and a commercial vessel, the Galaxy Leader, which had been hijacked by the Houthis in late 2023. Reports indicate that Houthi air defenses attempted to counter Israel's air strikes with their missiles. Throughout this ongoing conflict, Hudaydah has repeatedly been a focal point, serving as a lifeline for humanitarian aid to millions of Yemenis while also attracting military strikes from Israeli forces.
In addition to these recent actions, there have been statements indicating a reversal in U.S. policy toward the Houthis, with former President Trump noting a shift in the military strategy concerning attacks against the group. As tensions remain high in the region, the situation continues to evolve, underscoring the volatility of the Middle East conflict landscape.
