Israel escalates airstrikes in Yemen amid rising Houthi tensions
The Israeli air force attacked the port of Hudaydah in Yemen, according to the Houthi rebels. Previously, Israel called for the evacuation of civilians from three ports. The conflict with the Iran-supported Houthis is intensifying.
What do you need to know?
- Israeli air force attacked the port of Hudaydah in Yemen, claim the Houthi rebels, who control the city.
- The Israeli army ordered the evacuation of civilians from three Yemeni ports: Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif.
- The conflict with the Houthis is intensifying, and the rebels regularly attack Israel, leading to retaliatory strikes by the Israeli armed forces.
Why did Israel attack the port of Hudaydah?
The Israeli armed forces carried out a raid on the port of Hudaydah in response to regular Houthi rebel attacks on Israel. The Houthis, supported by Iran, control large areas of Yemen and have intensified their actions against Israel since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip.
These attacks include rocket and drone strikes, as well as disruptions in the Red Sea, one of the most important maritime routes in the world.
What are the consequences for the region?
The conflict with the Houthis has significant consequences for the region, including maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
The USA, starting in 2024, leads an international coalition aimed at countering Houthi attacks on commercial ships. Despite a truce being reached between the USA and the Houthis, the rebels continue attacks on Israeli targets, leading to further escalation of tensions.
Is Israel planning further actions?
Israel has not officially confirmed the raid on the port of Hudaydah, but previous calls for the evacuation of civilians from three ports suggest preparations for further actions.
Last week, the Israeli armed forces carried out retaliatory strikes on the Houthis following a rocket attack on Ben Gurion Airport. In response, they bombarded, among other targets, the airport in Sanaa, causing significant losses.
