Israel Launches Airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeida, Houthis Activate Air Defenses

Yemen’s Houthi rebels reported that Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the port city of Hodeida on Tuesday, intensifying the ongoing conflict with the Iranian-backed group. According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, Yemen activated its air defenses to counter Israeli aircraft. Saree stated on X, “Our air defenses are actively engaging Israeli aircraft attacking our nation.” The strikes mark a significant escalation in the regional conflict, with Hodeida, a key Houthi stronghold, now under direct assault.

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, issuing a stark warning to Hodeida residents. Colonel Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesperson, urged civilians to evacuate immediately, stating that the attack was imminent and aimed at Houthi targets. “For your safety, leave the area now. Strikes will occur in the coming hours,” Adraee posted on social media. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as a response to Houthi attacks on Israeli interests, including recent missile and drone strikes launched by the group.

Hodeida, a strategic Red Sea port, serves as a critical hub for Houthi operations, including their control over maritime routes. The city has been a focal point in Yemen’s civil war, with the Houthis maintaining dominance despite years of conflict with a Saudi-led coalition. Israel’s involvement adds a new layer of complexity, as the country rarely conducts direct military operations in Yemen. Analysts suggest the strikes may be linked to broader regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies.

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Local reports indicate panic among Hodeida’s residents, with many fleeing to safer areas as explosions echoed through the city. The full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear, but Houthi media claimed their forces were mounting a robust defense. The international community has yet to respond officially, though the United Nations and regional powers are closely monitoring the situation.

This attack follows months of Houthi provocations, including missile launches targeting Israel and attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. Israel’s decision to strike Hodeida signals a bold shift in its approach to countering Iran’s regional influence. As the situation unfolds, the risk of further escalation looms large, potentially drawing in other actors in the volatile Middle East.

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