Israel initiates airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.

Israel has launched strikes on Houthi targets in three Yemeni ports, including the western port of Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Saif. These attacks occurred shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for civilians in the affected areas, warning of imminent air strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on social media that the strikes targeted Houthi-controlled sites, including a power station and the commercial ship Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by the rebel group two years ago and was reportedly being used to monitor maritime vessels in international waters. Houthi-run media in Yemen acknowledged the strikes on Hudaydah but provided no further details on damage or casualties. Katz stated that the strikes were part of “Operation Black Flag” and warned that the Houthis “will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.” The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been launching missiles at Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The Israeli Air Force claimed that the latest strikes on Yemen’s ports were in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis on Israel and its citizens, and that the targeted ports were being used to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime to carry out terror plans against Israel and its allies. The Ras Kanatib power station, which supplies electricity to nearby cities, was also hit in the attack. This recent attack on Hudaydah follows similar Israeli navy strikes on targets in the port city in May and June. Hudaydah port, which is the main entry point for food and humanitarian aid for millions of Yemenis, has been the target of several Israeli strikes in the past year.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9xdlxp1x7o