Israel Launches Airstrikes on Multiple Houthi Ports, Power Plant in Yemen

Israel conducted intense airstrikes on multiple Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen, specifically targeting the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant and the hijacked merchant vessel Galaxy Leader. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated these strikes were retaliatory measures in response to repeated missile and drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthi group against Israeli territory and aimed to disrupt the Houthis' use of civilian infrastructure for military operations. The Galaxy Leader ship, seized by the Houthis in 2023 and equipped with radar systems, was used for maritime surveillance and supporting terror activities in the Red Sea. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Yemen would be treated with the same severity as Tehran, emphasizing that any threats against Israel would incur heavy consequences. These airstrikes follow continuous Houthi attacks since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, which have also disrupted international shipping and global trade routes through the Red Sea. The IDF issued evacuation warnings prior to the strikes, underscoring the risk to civilian lives due to the Houthis' military tactics.