Israel Launches Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen After Airport Missile Attack

In a swift reaction to a missile launched by the Houthis towards Ben Gurion airport, Israel's military has targeted key Houthi positions in Yemen, raising concerns of further conflict.

Israel's military has confirmed a series of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen as a direct response to a missile attack that threatened Ben Gurion airport on Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) specifically targeted locations in Hudaydah, describing them as vital supply sources for the Houthi forces. According to military reports, they struck sites associated with the Bajil cement factory and other significant infrastructure connected to the group's operations.

This recent escalation follows the Houthi's declaration of an "aerial blockade" against Israel aimed at disrupting air traffic in response to the country's ongoing military activities in Gaza. The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, reported that their missile strike had resulted in injuries, blaming the attacks on a perceived "US-Israeli aggression." However, a US defense official has denied any involvement in these operations against Houthi assets.

The strikes on Monday targeted not only military sites but also the strategically important Hudaydah port, which is crucial for Yemen’s food imports, handling approximately 80% of the country’s supply. Initial reports indicate that the IDF executed the strikes with precision to limit any collateral damage, a statement that has been met with skepticism given the ongoing viability of the port as a humanitarian lifeline.

Eyewitness accounts suggest a series of heavy strikes occurred during the early hours, with multiple sites reportedly being hit including the Bajil cement factory, which the IDF claimed was utilized for constructing military infrastructure. The health ministry under Houthi administration reported at least 21 casualties resulting from the Israeli attacks.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to continue Israel's aggressive stance towards threats posed by the Houthis, reaffirming that military action would persist both now and in the future, while Iranian officials characterized the missile attack as an independent act by the Houthis. Recent airstrikes initiated by the US against Houthi positions further complicate the landscape, marking a significant military escalation in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.