Israel has launched air strikes on the Houthi movement in Yemen in response to a drone attack on Tel Aviv, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the two groups.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel aimed to send a message to the Houthi group, emphasizing the importance of defending Israeli citizens against attacks. The strikes targeted the Houthi-controlled Red Sea port of Hodeidah, causing massive fires and damage to oil storage facilities and a power plant.
Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the Israeli aggression, stating that the strikes were an attempt to pressure the group to stop supporting Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthi-run health ministry reported dozens of injuries from the air strikes, with many suffering severe burns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to defend his country by all means necessary, warning that anyone who harms Israel will face severe consequences. He claimed that the port of Hodeidah was an entry point for Iranian weapons, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Houthi Supreme Political Council promised an “effective response” to the Israeli airstrikes, indicating that the conflict is far from over. The US and UK have also been involved in air strikes against the Houthi group in an effort to protect commercial shipping in the region.
The recent events highlight the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in Yemen, with multiple parties involved and competing interests at play. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation and violence in the region.
