In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on July 20, 2024, primarily targeting the strategic port city of Hodeidah. This marks Israel’s first direct military action against Yemen, coming in response to a deadly Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv on July 19 that killed one Israeli civilian and injured at least 10 others.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have struck military targets in the Hodeidah region, using F-35 fighter jets among other aircraft. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the airstrikes were a ‘clear signal’ and a response to ‘hundreds of attacks against Israel in recent months’. However, Houthi sources report significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including oil storage facilities and a power plant, resulting in widespread power outages and a large fire at the port.The Houthi-controlled Health Ministry has reported multiple casualties, though exact numbers remain unclear. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, a Houthi spokesperson, condemned the attack as ‘brutal’ and aimed at ‘increasing the suffering of the Yemeni people’. He vowed that the strikes would not deter their support for Palestinians in Gaza.This escalation raises concerns about a potential widening of the conflict. While Israel coordinated with the US and other allies for this operation, it represents a new front in what Israeli officials describe as a ‘multifront war’ against various Iranian-backed groups in the region. The international community is closely watching these developments, with many calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- Israel conducted its first airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Houthi positions in Hodeidah.
- The strikes were in response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed one Israeli civilian.
- The attack has caused significant damage to infrastructure and casualties, though exact numbers are unclear.
- This escalation raises concerns about a potential widening of the regional conflict.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the targets hit in the airstrikes.
The Israeli military claims to have struck military targets, while Houthi sources report damage to civilian infrastructure.
👾There is some discrepancy in the reported coordination of the attack.
Some sources state that Israel coordinated with the US and other allies, while others claim the attack was not coordinated with the US or UK.
