Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeida province on Monday, a day after Houthi rebels fired a missile at Israel’s main airport, marking an escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military reported that over 20 fighter planes were involved in the operation, dropping more than 50 munitions on multiple targets. At least one person was killed, and 35 others were wounded in the Israeli airstrikes, according to the Houthi-run health ministry in Yemen.
The strikes targeted key locations, including the Hodeida port, which the Israeli military claims is used by the Houthi rebels to receive weapons and military equipment from Iran. Local residents reported hearing explosions, with flames and smoke rising over the port area, while ambulance sirens echoed through the city.
The missile attack by the Houthis on Israel took place on Sunday, striking an access road near Israel’s main airport and injuring four people. This marked the first time since the conflict began that a missile hit the grounds of the airport.
The Houthi rebels’ media office claimed that the Israeli strikes were a joint operation with the United States, though a US defense official denied American involvement in the airstrikes. However, the US military did launch separate strikes on Sanaa, Yemen, targeting Houthi positions.
In response, Nasruddin Amer, the head of the Houthi media office, vowed retaliation, stating on social media that the Israeli airstrikes would not deter the rebels. He promised to escalate attacks, including targeting shipping routes and Israel, unless Israel ceases its military actions in Gaza.
The Houthis have been launching missiles at Israel since the onset of the war with Hamas in October 2023. Although most of the missiles have been intercepted, some have breached Israel’s missile defense systems, causing damage.
Israel has retaliated with several strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, while the US military, under President Donald Trump, has also increased airstrike activity against the rebels since March 2023.
