According to Reuters– In a significant escalation of the ongoing Yemeni conflict, Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah in western Yemen. The strikes targeted fuel depots, energy-related sites, and other facilities at the port, aiming to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to import Iranian weapons and inflict financial damage on the rebels.
The attack came in response to a drone launched by the Iran-backed Houthi group that struck Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of an Israeli man. The Israeli military named this operation “Operation Outstretched Arm.” This marks the first time the Israel Defense Forces have carried out strikes in Yemen.
Al-Masirah TV, the main television news outlet run by Yemen’s Houthi movement, reported that at least 80 people were wounded in the airstrikes. The situation remains tense in the region, with geopolitical complexities and ongoing conflict.
The United States was informed ahead of the attack, but Israel acted independently in executing it. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the Yemeni civil war and the involvement of regional and international actors.
As the situation unfolds, international attention remains focused on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, exacerbated by years of conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. The port of Hodeidah plays a crucial role in providing essential supplies to the war-torn country, making any disruption to its operations a matter of concern for humanitarian organizations.
Efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni conflict continue, but incidents like these highlight the fragility of the situation and the potential for further escalation. The international community closely monitors developments in the region, hoping for a path toward stability and relief for the Yemeni people.