The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed a series of air strikes late Sunday night on Houthi-held regions in Yemen, specifically targeting the ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and al-Salif, as well as the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, notorious for its previous hijacking by Houthi forces in November 2023. This operation came as a directive to thwart what Israel referred to as "repeated terrorist attacks" against its citizens.
The Israeli military alleged that the Galaxy Leader, now used by the Houthis for maritime monitoring, contained a radar system aimed at tracking international shipping routes to facilitate ongoing terrorist activities. Additionally, they argued that the ports were instrumental in receiving arms from Iran, essential for Houthi military operations.
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, threatened that the Houthis would face severe consequences for their actions, reinforcing the connection between Yemen and Iran’s broader imperial aims against Israel. Following the air strikes, the Houthis launched two missiles towards Israel, prompting an alert in various regions, including the occupied West Bank and southern Israel.
In response, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed that their air defenses successfully countered the Israeli attacks, and declared their readiness to engage in sustained military operations against Israel, citing a desire to support the Palestinian cause. Sarea also announced that the Houthis executed a retaliatory operation using 11 missiles and drones targeting key Israeli locations.
Since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have actively participated in regional hostilities, justifying their actions as solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. Their attacks have included targeting commercial vessels in vital shipping lanes, leading to tensions not only with Israel but also impacting international maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
This week also saw a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier being targeted by the Houthis, undermining the precarious security situation in the area amid the ongoing conflict. The developments reflect the protracted and complex web of hostilities in the region as Israel and the Houthis remain engaged in a dangerous standoff.
The Israeli military alleged that the Galaxy Leader, now used by the Houthis for maritime monitoring, contained a radar system aimed at tracking international shipping routes to facilitate ongoing terrorist activities. Additionally, they argued that the ports were instrumental in receiving arms from Iran, essential for Houthi military operations.
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, threatened that the Houthis would face severe consequences for their actions, reinforcing the connection between Yemen and Iran’s broader imperial aims against Israel. Following the air strikes, the Houthis launched two missiles towards Israel, prompting an alert in various regions, including the occupied West Bank and southern Israel.
In response, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed that their air defenses successfully countered the Israeli attacks, and declared their readiness to engage in sustained military operations against Israel, citing a desire to support the Palestinian cause. Sarea also announced that the Houthis executed a retaliatory operation using 11 missiles and drones targeting key Israeli locations.
Since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have actively participated in regional hostilities, justifying their actions as solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. Their attacks have included targeting commercial vessels in vital shipping lanes, leading to tensions not only with Israel but also impacting international maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
This week also saw a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier being targeted by the Houthis, undermining the precarious security situation in the area amid the ongoing conflict. The developments reflect the protracted and complex web of hostilities in the region as Israel and the Houthis remain engaged in a dangerous standoff.
