Bollywood Fever: Israeli warplanes killed three people in the Huthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeida on Sunday, following the group’s deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv. This marks the first claimed Israeli strikes in Yemen, approximately 2000 kilometers away, analysts noted.
The airstrikes, which caused a raging fire and plumes of black smoke, signify Israel’s response to the recent attack and serve as a warning to other Iran-backed groups in the region. “The blood of Israeli citizens has a price,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated, promising further actions against the Huthis if they continue their attacks.
The strikes, executed by F-15 jets, targeted Hodeida as a key supply route for Iranian weapons, including drones used in attacks on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced the stance in a televised address, asserting, “Anyone who harms us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression.”
The Huthi-run health ministry reported three deaths and 87 injuries, many with severe burns. This attack followed a week of heightened tensions after the Huthis’ drone strike in Tel Aviv, which Israeli officials vowed to retaliate against.
Regional Impact and Reactions:
The United States, which has previously conducted airstrikes against the Huthis, stated it was not involved in these recent strikes. A National Security Council spokesperson emphasized, “We fully recognize and acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.”
UN Chief Antonio Guterres had called for “maximum restraint” following the Tel Aviv drone strike to prevent further regional escalation. However, the situation remains volatile, with Huthi officials and their Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, issuing threats of retaliation against Israel.
Humanitarian Concerns:
The strikes on Hodeida, a critical port for Yemen, raise significant humanitarian concerns. Hodeida has been a vital entry point for imports and international aid to rebel-held areas of Yemen, which has suffered through a decade-long war. The conflict has left millions dependent on aid supplied through the port.
“The Zionist entity will pay the price for targeting civilian facilities, and we will meet escalation with escalation,” warned Huthi politburo member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti. Hezbollah also highlighted the gravity of the situation, labeling the Israeli strikes as a “new, dangerous phase” in the ongoing Gaza war.
Maritime security firm Ambrey observed several merchant vessels in the port during the airstrike but reported no damage to these vessels.
The strikes threaten to exacerbate the already dire food security and humanitarian situation in northern Yemen. “Traders now fear that this will exacerbate the already critical food security and humanitarian situation in northern Yemen, as the majority of trade flows through this port,” said Mohammed Albasha, senior Middle East analyst for the US-based Navanti Group.
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