Overview
Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s rebel-held regions early Thursday, marking a significant escalation in its conflict with Iranian-backed Houthi forces. The strikes targeted infrastructure in the capital, Sanaa, and key ports, leaving at least nine people dead, according to Houthi media.
What Happened
Airstrikes: Israel’s military conducted two waves of strikes involving 14 fighter jets, focusing on Houthi-controlled ports in Hodeida, Salif, and the Ras Isa oil terminal, as well as energy infrastructure in Sanaa.
Casualties: Houthi media reported at least seven deaths in Salif and two in Ras Isa, with additional injuries at Hodeida port.
Damage: The strikes worsened Sanaa’s ongoing electricity crisis, hitting power stations critical to the city’s infrastructure.
Why It Matters
The attacks follow a ballistic missile launch from Yemen targeting central Israel. While the missile was intercepted, debris caused damage to a school in Ramat Gan. The incident is part of broader hostilities involving the Houthis, who have fired over 200 missiles and drones at Israel since October.
Key Players
Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued stern warnings, framing the strikes as a response to Houthi aggression and their alignment with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.”
Houthis: The Iranian-backed rebels have intensified attacks on Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea since the Gaza conflict escalated in October.
Global Implications: The Red Sea corridor, vital for global shipping, faces disruptions from Houthi strikes. U.S. and European forces have intercepted several attacks, and the U.S. has previously targeted Houthi infrastructure.
Broader Context
The conflict adds a new dimension to regional tensions:
Israel vs. Iran: The airstrikes reflect growing Israeli efforts to counter Iran-backed groups across the Middle East.
Humanitarian Impact: Yemen’s ongoing civil war, exacerbated by the strikes, has already created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 150,000 deaths and widespread displacement.
Looking Ahead
The escalation could further destabilize the region, with potential ripple effects on global trade and international diplomatic efforts. Both Israel and the Houthis appear poised to continue their respective campaigns, complicating efforts to mediate peace in Yemen’s long-standing war.
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