Israel Strikes Houthi Ports in Yemen, Escalating Tensions After Red Sea Ship Attack
Israeli military confirmed strikes alleging these sites facilitate Iranian weapons transfers for Houthi attacks against Israel and its allies
Israel launched airstrikes early Monday targeting Houthi-controlled ports and infrastructure in Yemen, prompting a retaliatory missile attack from the Iran-backed rebels aimed at Israel. The strikes follow a Sunday assault on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red Sea, which caught fire and forced its crew to abandon ship. Suspicion for the attack quickly fell on the Houthis, with reports indicating bomb-carrying drone boats and small arms fire were used, marking a potential escalation in their tactics.
The Israeli military confirmed strikes on Houthi-held ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant, alleging these sites facilitate Iranian weapons transfers for Houthi attacks against Israel and its allies. The Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized by the Houthis in November 2023, was also targeted, with Israel claiming it was repurposed for tracking maritime vessels.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed a heavy price for Houthi actions, stating, “Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off.” The Houthis responded with a missile attack on Israel, which evaded interception but caused no reported injuries.
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The Magic Seas attack occurred 100 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, with the ship taking on water after drone boat strikes. Its crew was rescued by a passing vessel. Moammar al-Eryani, information minister for Yemen’s exiled government, condemned the Houthis, accusing them of serving as an Iranian proxy to destabilize global trade.
The Houthis’ campaign, which began amid the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, has disrupted $1 trillion in Red Sea trade by targeting over 100 vessels, sinking two, and killing four sailors. The latest escalation coincides with delicate Middle East dynamics, including a potential Israel-Hamas ceasefire and Iran’s nuclear negotiations, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
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