Israel carried out airstrikes targeting ports and energy facilities in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen on Thursday, escalating tensions with the Iran-aligned group that has launched hundreds of missiles at Israel over the past year.
The strikes involving 14 fighter jets marked a significant escalation in the conflict. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed the operation was conducted in two waves. The first targeted the ports of Salif and Ras Issa in western Yemen, while the second hit power infrastructure in the capital, Sanaa.
According to Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-controlled outlet, the airstrikes resulted in nine deaths—seven in Salif and two at the Ras Issa oil facility. In addition to these fatalities, two power stations in Sanaa were damaged, leading to widespread power outages. The Electricity Department in Sanaa reported that fuel depots at the Dhahban and Haiz power stations were hit, though fires were contained, and restoration efforts were underway.
Local sources at the port of Hodeidah reported the destruction of a tugboat during the strikes. However, the port remains operational with other available tugboats.
Houthi Retaliation and Israeli Response
The Houthis, who have supported Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, claimed responsibility for attacks on Tel Aviv. They announced via spokesperson Yahya Saree that they had launched two ballistic missiles at “precise military targets” in Tel Aviv overnight, reiterating their resolve to retaliate against Israeli aggression.
“The Israeli attack will not deter Yemen from responding to this heinous aggression and supporting Gaza,” Saree stated in a televised address.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Houthi attacks, describing them as part of Iran’s “axis of evil.” He warned that Israel would respond decisively:
“After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are nearly the last remaining arm of Iran’s axis of evil. They are learning and they will learn the hard way, that whoever harms Israel pays a very heavy price for it.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, issuing a stern warning to Houthi leaders:
“I warn the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israel’s long hand will reach you as well. Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off; whoever harms, will be harmed sevenfold,” Katz wrote on X.
As the airstrikes were underway, Israel’s military reported intercepting a missile aimed at central Israel. Shrapnel from the interception caused damage to a school building in Ramat Efal, a western suburb of Tel Aviv. Initial investigations suggest the debris, including a large fuel tank, caused the damage, although further analysis is ongoing. Regional Implications
The strikes follow a U.S. operation earlier in the week targeting a Houthi command facility, underscoring growing international involvement in the region. The conflict continues to draw widespread concern, with calls for restraint and a focus on preventing further escalation.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
