Aden, Dec 27 (NationPress) Israeli airstrikes have struck significant infrastructure and Houthi-controlled locations in Yemen's capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to media sources. The strikes reportedly impacted Sanaa International Airport and the Hezyaz power station, both situated in areas governed by the Houthi group.

In addition, other targets in Hodeidah were also hit by Israeli airstrikes, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

The airstrikes coincided with a televised address by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that the nation initiated a rigorous air assault aimed at Sanaa and Hodeidah.

Referring to an unnamed Israeli official, Kan TV indicated that Israeli warplanes executed multiple waves of airstrikes, concentrating on Sanaa's airport and the port of Hodeidah.

Footage shared on social media depicted large explosions, with black smoke and flames billowing above buildings in Yemen.

The strikes were conducted following an assessment that Houthi forces aimed to heighten their attacks on Israel and maritime routes, as per the Israeli broadcaster.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced on Thursday that it conducted "intelligence-based" airstrikes targeting military installations controlled by the Houthis along Yemen's western coast and within the country.

The Israeli aircraft targeted Houthi-utilized infrastructure at Sanaa International Airport, as well as the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, all positioned in Houthi-controlled territories, along with the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib on the western coastline. The military asserted that these sites were employed by the Houthis for smuggling Iranian arms into the area and for hosting senior Iranian officials.

Footage circulating on social media displayed significant explosions, accompanied by black smoke and flames rising above Yemeni structures.

Jamal Amer, the foreign minister of the unrecognized Houthi government, stated on the social media platform X that the Israeli offensive on Sanaa International Airport resulted in the deaths of two staff members and injuries to several others, including the assistant captain of a UN aircraft that was preparing to transport UN officials, including World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Amer mentioned that the WHO chief was present in the airport's VIP lounge during the strikes, and there has been no immediate update on his condition.

A Houthi official, speaking to Xinhua on the condition of anonymity, reported that ten Israeli airstrikes obliterated fighter jets and helicopters stationed at the al-Dailami Air Force Base adjacent to the airport, rendering it non-operational.