Israeli Navy Strikes Yemen’s Houthi-Controlled Hodeidah Port
Israel’s navy launched missile strikes on the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Tuesday, marking the first time it has taken part in attacks against Houthi rebels.
The Israeli military said long-range strikes were carried out using advanced Sa’ar 6-class missile ships, which fired two guided missiles at the port from hundreds of kilometers away.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were launched in response to Houthi missile attacks targeting Israel and were intended to prevent the port’s use for military purposes.
“The Hodeidah Port is used to transfer weapons and to exploit civilian infrastructure in order to advance terrorist activities,” the IDF said. “The IDF is committed to continue operating against those who pose a threat to Israelis.”
Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that Israel carried out two separate strikes but did not mention any casualties or damage. However, images shared on social media showed smoke rising from the port.
Hodeidah is the main entry point for food and aid for millions of Yemenis. The United Nations and other agencies rely on the port to deliver supplies to areas hit hard by Yemen’s civil war.
Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthis’ media office, said on X that the attack had little effect on the group’s activities.
“It has no effect even on the morale of our people, who take to the streets weekly … in support of Gaza,” he added.
Since October 2023, the Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones at Israel in response to its actions in Gaza. Just last week, Israel intercepted a missile over Jerusalem, and the month before, another struck the grounds of the country’s main airport.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said on X that the country will deliver “a powerful response” and may impose a naval and air blockade if Houthi attacks continue.
