Israel conducted airstrikes on ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen

Israel conducted airstrikes targeting ports and energy facilities in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi movement early Thursday, warning of further actions against the Iran-aligned group, which has launched numerous missile attacks on Israel over the past year.

While Israeli aircraft were in operation, the military reported intercepting a missile aimed at central Israel, which resulted in damage to a school building in Ramat Efal, located in western Tel Aviv, attributed to falling debris, according to a military spokesperson.

The Houthis, who have been attacking international shipping near Yemen since November in support of Palestinians amid the conflict with Hamas, claimed responsibility for an overnight assault on Tel Aviv, stating they launched two ballistic missiles targeting “specific military sites.”

The Israeli operation, which involved 14 fighter jets and additional aircraft, was executed in two phases: the first targeting the ports of Salif and Ras Issa, followed by strikes on the capital, Sanaa, as detailed by military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani.

“We undertook thorough preparations for these missions, focusing on enhancing our intelligence and optimizing the strikes,” he stated.

Al Masirah TV, the primary news outlet operated by the Houthis, reported that the airstrikes resulted in nine fatalities, with seven casualties in Salif and two at the Ras Issa oil facility, both located in the western Hodeidah province. Additionally, two sources at the Hodeidah port informed Reuters that an Israeli strike had destroyed a tugboat, although the port retains several others capable of assisting ships to dock.

In Sanaa, airstrikes targeted two key power stations located to the north and south of the capital, resulting in power outages for thousands of families, according to Al Masirah. A representative from the Electricity Department in Sanaa informed Reuters that the strikes impacted fuel depots at the power stations—one situated in Dhahban to the north and the other in Haiz to the south. He noted that the fires have been brought under control, and electricity restoration is anticipated within a few hours.

These Israeli strikes came after a U.S. airstrike on Monday that targeted a command and control facility operated by the Houthis, who maintain significant control over Yemen.

Houthis pledged retaliation

In response to the Israeli attacks, the Houthis pledged retaliation. Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, stated in a televised address, “The Israeli attack will not deter Yemen from responding to this heinous aggression and supporting Gaza.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would persist in countering Houthi assaults. “I caution the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israel’s long reach will find you as well,” Katz declared in a post on X. “Anyone who raises a hand against the state of Israel will face severe consequences; those who inflict harm will be met with even greater harm.”

The Israeli military announced that experts were assessing the location of the strike in Ramat Efal and were working to determine if one or two missiles had been launched. Some reports from Israeli media indicated that the missile struck the school; however, Shoshani noted that preliminary evidence pointed to the school being impacted by debris from the missile.

He mentioned that it was possible the fuel tank, which is a substantial piece of metal, continued moving after the missile was intercepted. “However, we will have a clearer understanding once we analyze the results on-site,” he added.