Israel confirms air strikes on Hodeidah, Yemen port controlled by Huthis
Air strikes on Hodeida on Saturday reportedly targeted fuel tanks in the port, according to the health ministry under Houthi control. The ministry reported several fatalities and injuries and blamed Israel for the attacks. An AFP correspondent reported several loud explosions in the port city.
The Shiite Houthi rebels, who control large parts of the Red Sea coast of Yemen, have been seizing ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November. With attacks on cargo ships that call at Israeli ports, they aim to support Palestinians in the conflict between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to their own statements.
Since the beginning of the year, British and US military forces have been repeatedly attacking Houthi positions in Yemen to destroy their military capabilities. In addition, warships of two international coalitions have been trying to secure maritime traffic along the Yemeni coast. The German Navy was also present at one point with the frigate "Hessen" as part of the EU maritime mission "Aspides".
- Johan Gallant, a commander in the Israeli Navy, stated his concerns about the increasing threat posed by the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
- The latest air raid in Harbor City, a crucial port city in Yemen, was reportedly carried out by a fight jet, causing significant damage and further escalating tensions in the region.
- Israel has denied any involvement in the air strikes on Hodeidah, a position that contrasts with the claims made by the Houthi-controlled health ministry.
- The Hodeidah port, one of Yemen's main entry points for humanitarian aid, has been a target of frequent air raids, which have disrupted the delivery of essential supplies to civilians.
- The AFP reported that the Israeli government has not commented on the accusations of involvement in the air raids, sparking speculation and mistrust among regional powers.
- The situation in Yemen, marked by ongoing air raids and conflicts between various factions, has led to calls for a diplomatic solution to end the regional tension and protect both civilian lives and maritime traffic.
