Israel escalated its conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels on July 20, 2024, by launching airstrikes on the strategic port city of Hodeidah, marking its first direct military action against Yemen. The attack, carried out by F-15 warplanes, targeted military objectives including energy infrastructure, oil storage facilities, and a major power plant. This operation was a direct response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv the previous day, which killed one Israeli civilian and injured at least 10 others.The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating they were retaliating against ‘hundreds of attacks’ by the Iran-backed Houthi group against Israel in recent months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the attack, saying the port was used for military purposes and served as a conduit for Iranian-supplied weapons. ‘Anyone who harms us will pay a very high price for their aggression,’ Netanyahu stated.The aftermath of the Israeli strikes has been severe. According to Yemeni health officials, at least three people were killed and 87 others injured, many suffering from severe burns. The attack has also caused widespread power outages and a large fire at the port, visible in videos circulating on social media.Mohammed Abdulsalam, a Houthi spokesperson, condemned the attack as ‘blatant’ and aimed at increasing the suffering of the Yemeni people. The Houthis have vowed to retaliate, threatening to target Israeli vital objectives and stating that ‘Tel Aviv is no longer safe’.This escalation raises concerns about a potential widening of the conflict in the region. While Israel reportedly coordinated with the US for this operation, it represents a new front in what Israeli officials describe as a ‘multi-front war’ against various Iranian-backed groups. The international community is closely watching these developments, with many calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- Israel launched its first direct airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Hodeidah port.
- The attack was in response to a Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv that killed one Israeli and injured at least 10.
- At least three people were killed and 87 injured in the Israeli strikes, with many suffering severe burns.
- Both Israel and the Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks, raising concerns about a potential widening of the conflict.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of injuries, with some sources citing 80 wounded while others report 87.
👾While most sources state that Israel coordinated with the US for this operation, one source claims that the US did not coordinate the airstrikes but acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense.
