Did Israel Conduct Airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea Ports?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israel conducted airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea ports.
- The strikes targeted Houthi strongholds linked to Iranian arms transfers.
- Israel's Defence Minister warned of serious repercussions for aggressors.
- The conflict raises concerns about regional stability and humanitarian impacts.
- Ongoing missile attacks from the Houthis continue to challenge Israeli security.
Jerusalem, July 7 (NationPress) - A series of airstrikes were executed by Israel targeting Yemen's Red Sea ports located in the western Hodeidah Province late Sunday night, as reported by media outlets.
The military action followed shortly after the Israeli military issued an urgent evacuation alert on the social media platform X. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions in multiple areas along Yemen's western coastline, including the port of Hodeidah, according to Xinhua news agency.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that these strikes were aimed at what he labeled as Houthi strongholds, particularly the ports of Hodeidah, As Salif, and Ras Isa, along with the Ras Katib power station and the Galaxy Leader, a vessel captured by Houthi forces in November 2023.
The Israeli military emphasized that the targeted ports had been utilized by the Houthis for the transfer of weapons from the Iranian regime, which are subsequently employed in terror operations against Israel and its allies.
Furthermore, they added that the Galaxy Leader was equipped with a radar system designed to monitor vessels in the Red Sea, thereby facilitating additional militant actions.
In a statement on X, the Israel Defense Forces remarked: "IAF jets, guided by intelligence, targeted Houthi terror sites at the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Kanatib Power Plant. These sites were involved in transferring Iranian weapons and attacking Israeli civilians with UAVs and missiles. Among the objectives were the Galaxy Leader ship seized by the Houthis in 2023 and outfitted with a radar system for tracking international vessels for terror operations. The IDF will persist in its efforts against threats to Israeli civilians—no matter where they arise."
Katz hinted at potential broader escalation, stating, "Yemen will be treated similarly to Tehran."
"Anyone attempting to harm Israel will face consequences, and anyone who strikes against Israel will pay dearly," Katz added. "The Houthis will continue to suffer for their actions."
Earlier that day, a missile launched by Houthi forces activated air raid sirens in southern Israel but was intercepted without causing any injuries, as reported by the Israeli military. The Houthis claimed it was a hypersonic missile aimed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, according to Xinhua.
Israel has conducted several airstrikes on crucial ports and infrastructure in Yemen over the past months as the Houthis persist in firing missiles towards Israel, citing their support for the Palestinians in Gaza.