Israeli airstrike hits Yemen's Hudaydah amid Houthi tension
Israeli air forces attacked the Hudaydah port in Yemen, according to Houthi rebels. Earlier, Israel called for the evacuation of civilians from three ports. The conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis is escalating.
What do you need to know?
- Israeli air forces attacked the Hudaydah port in Yemen, according to Houthi rebels, who control the city.
- The Israeli army ordered the evacuation of civilians from three Yemeni ports: Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif.
- The conflict with the Houthis is escalating, and the rebels regularly attack Israel, leading to retaliatory strikes by Israeli armed forces.
Why did Israel attack the Hudaydah port?
The Israeli armed forces carried out an air raid on the Hudaydah port in response to regular Houthi attacks on Israel. The Houthis, supported by Iran, control large areas of Yemen and have intensified their actions against Israel since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip.
These attacks include missile and drone strikes, as well as disruptions in the Red Sea, one of the world's most important maritime routes.
What are the consequences for the region?
The conflict with the Houthis has serious consequences for the region, including maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
As of early 2024, the USA is leading an international coalition aimed at countering Houthi attacks on commercial ships. Despite the truce between the USA and the Houthis, the rebels continue to attack Israeli targets, leading to further escalation of tensions.
Does Israel plan further actions?
Israel has not officially confirmed the air raid on the Hudaydah port, but earlier calls for the evacuation of civilians from three ports suggest preparations for further actions.
Last week, the Israeli armed forces carried out retaliatory strikes on the Houthis after a missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport. In response, they bombed, among other targets, the airport in Sana’a, causing significant losses.
