The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed a series of airstrikes across Yemen, targeting key infrastructure in retaliation for Houthi missile and drone attacks against Israel.
The IDF reported striking Sanaa International Airport in Yemen’s capital, controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi group, along with power plants in Aziz and Ras Cantib.
Additional strikes hit key infrastructure in the ports of Hodeidah, al-Salif, and Ras Cantib on Yemen’s western coast, areas allegedly used by the Houthis to transport Iranian weapons.
In a press release, the IDF stated, “The Houthi terrorist regime repeatedly attacks the State of Israel and its citizens, launching unmanned aerial vehicles and surface-to-surface missiles toward the country’s territory.”
The statement emphasised that the military “will not hesitate to act forcefully and strike anyone who poses a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel, at any distance required.”
The strikes reportedly coincided with a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, according to the Times of Israel.
Earlier this week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of intensified actions against Houthi leadership.
“Just as we took care of [Yahya] Sinwar in Gaza, [Ismail] Haniyeh in Tehran, and [Hassan] Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sanaa or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz stated.
The Houthi movement has escalated attacks on Israel and international shipping since the start of Israel’s war with Hamas in October. Their actions have included assaults on cargo and tanker ships in the Strait of Hormuz and missile launches targeting U.S. forces in the region.
Last week, U.S. Central Command forces conducted their own airstrikes against Houthi positions, targeting missile storage and command facilities in Sanaa to disrupt operations threatening U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels.
This intensifying conflict underscores growing regional tensions involving Iran-backed groups and their adversaries, with international shipping and security increasingly at risk.
