Israel Launches Its Largest Airstrikes Against Houthi-Controlled Ports In Yemen

Israel carried out large-scale airstrikes in Yemen on December 26, 2024, hitting ports, an airport, and power stations controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi movement.

The attacks, described as the largest against the group so far, left at least four people dead and 21 injured, according to Houthi-affiliated media.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes targeted Al Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib ports, Sana’a International Airport, and power stations in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib.

The IDF said these facilities were being used to smuggle Iranian weapons to the Houthis, including drones, missiles, and ammunition.

The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was at Sana’a International Airport when it came under attack.

He reported that the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway were damaged. A crew member of his plane was injured, but he and his colleagues were unharmed.

Dr Tedros said they were in Yemen to negotiate the release of detained U.N. staff and assess the humanitarian crisis. Israeli officials said they were unaware of his presence at the airport.

An Israeli military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, regretted the incident and wished the WHO team well.

Major General Tomer Bar, the commanding officer of the Israeli Air Force, confirmed this was the fourth strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. He described the operation as a show of Israeli capability and hinted at further action.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the stance in a television interview, saying “ We are just getting started with them.” He compared the campaign against the Houthis to Israel’s actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies.

Maritime security firm Diaplous reported that a tug assisting a tanker at Al Hudaydah port was hit by a missile and set on fire during the strikes.

The Houthis’ actions have disrupted global shipping, forcing companies to take longer and costlier routes.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that two people were killed at the airport, one person died at the ports, and 11 others were injured.

While Yemen’s Houthi-affiliated Health Ministry reported slightly higher figures of four deaths and 21 injuries. However, these reports have not been independently verified.

Since October 2023, Israel has carried out several operations, including bombings in Gaza to weaken Hamas, strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and attacks on Iranian-linked sites in Syria.

The strikes against the Houthis intensified after the Houthis launched missile and drone strikes on Israel, including a missile that hit Tel Aviv earlier this month, injuring 14 people.

The U.N. Security Council is set to discuss Houthi attacks on Israel on Monday. Ambassador Danny Danon confirmed the meeting.

References: Reuters, NYTimes

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