Watch: Israel Strikes Yemen’s Ports & Energy Facilities In Retaliation For Houthi Attacks

Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting key ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on December 19, 2024.

The retaliatory strikes came hours after the Iran-backed Houthi group fired a missile at central Israel, damaging a school building.

The Israeli military said it conducted “precise strikes” on military targets in Yemen, to destroy Houthi’s ability to launch attacks against Israel.

The military deployed 14 fighter jets to hit the ports of Salif and Ras Issa, as well as energy facilities in the capital Sana’a.

The Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV reported that at least nine people were killed, including seven in Salif and two at the Ras Issa oil facility.

Additionally, an Israeli missile destroyed a tugboat at the port of Hodeidah. The Houthi group has now vowed to take revenge for the attacks.

״פצצה שנייה, הכל שם התפוצץ״: תיעודים בלעדיים מתקיפות מטוסי חיל-האוויר הלילה בתימן. pic.twitter.com/b9pYZNvdh6

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) December 19, 2024

The missile attacks by the Houthis on Tel Aviv caused damage to a school in Ramat Efal, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. Though the Israeli military intercepted one missile, falling shrapnel destroyed the school building.

The Houthi group has been increasingly active in launching attacks on Israel, particularly since the beginning of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The Israeli military has intercepted several Houthi missiles and drones, but a few have managed to enter Israeli airspace, causing damage and raising concerns about the group’s growing capabilities.

Iran-a major supporter of the Houthi group has criticised the Israeli airstrikes. The Iranian Foreign Ministry called the attacks a “flagrant violation of international law.”

The United States, a key ally of Israel, was notified of the Israeli airstrikes in advance. The U.S. has also conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, especially those involved in anti-shipping operations in the Red Sea.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the Houthis will face major consequences for attacking Israel.

It is unclear how the Houthis will respond to the Israeli strikes. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to resolve their differences peacefully.

References: Reuters, The War Zone

Source: Maritime Shipping News