Israeli launch first naval strikes against Houthi militia in Yemen since Gaza conflict began
The Israeli navy has attacked Yemen for the first time since war erupted in Gaza more than two year ago, targeting Houthi militia facilities at the port of Hodeidah, the Israeli military says.
“The strikes were conducted following the aggression of the Houthi terrorist regime toward the State of Israel, including the launch of surface-to-surface missiles and (drones) toward Israeli territory and its citizens,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The strikes were carried out to stop the use of the port for military purposes.”
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The air force has targeted Hodeidah multiple times over the past year, but the port continues to serve as a hub for Houthi operations, including arms deliveries, the military said.
The military accused the group of “cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure”.
On Monday evening, an Israeli army spokesman called in Arabic for the evacuation of three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, including Hodeidah. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched repeated rocket and drone attacks on Israel in solidarity with the militant group Hamas. Israel has regularly responded with air strikes on Yemen.
