In brief
Israeli naval forces struck the port city of Hudaydah in Yemen, responding to Houthi missile launches aimed at Israel. The strikes targeted the port, used for military purposes by the Houthis, with no reported casualties.
Israeli naval vessels targeted the port city of Hudaydah in Yemen, which is under Houthi control. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted these strikes early Tuesday morning, describing them as a direct response to Houthi missiles that had been launched toward Israel. The IDF stated that the strikes aimed to prevent the port from being used for military operations. Social media platforms depict dark smoke rising from the affected area, while Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV confirmed the occurrence of two separate attacks. The Iranian-backed Houthi group has previously demonstrated its capability and willingness to target Israel, launching missile strikes in solidarity with Gaza amidst ongoing conflicts. Recent actions saw Houthi missiles intercepted over Jerusalem, with previous attacks striking Israel's main airport grounds.The IDF had issued evacuation orders to all personnel present at Hudaydah and other Houthi-controlled ports, citing the terrorism-related activities of the Houthi regime as justification. Avichay Adraee, an IDF Arabic spokesperson, urged people to vacate the area for their safety until notice is given.In response to these developments, Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of the Houthis’ media office, claimed that the strikes would have no significant impact on their operations or morale. He emphasized that their supporters continue to rally weekly in support of Gaza.Hudaydah port serves as a crucial access point for humanitarian aid to Yemenis, making it a strategic location amid the ongoing civil war, which has seen the Houthis in control since 2014. Despite previous claims of minimal damage, the port was recently reported to have been rendered inoperable for about a month due to an earlier strike that resulted in a fatality.The Houthis’ missile and drone attacks have escalated, affecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea—an essential route for approximately 15% of worldwide maritime trade—leading many shipping companies to reroute around Africa. In response to the rising tensions, U.S. military actions against the group were initiated during former President Biden's administration, reflecting the global implications of the conflict.
