Israeli airstrikes target ports and energy facilities in Yemen, killing nine

At least nine people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Yemen.

According to the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV channel, the strikes targeted key infrastructure, including ports and energy facilities, in areas under the control of the Ansar Allah movement, per Caliber.Az.

The air raid on the port city of Al-Salif claimed seven lives, while two more fatalities were reported at an oil facility in the Ras Isa neighbourhood in Yemen’s al-Hodeida province. Additionally, reports indicate that two central power stations in Sana’a were bombed.

The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, stating that they targeted facilities linked to the Houthi rebels. Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking from the Air Force command centre, issued a stern warning:

“Tonight we again attacked strategic targets of the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen. I warn the Houthi leaders: the long arm of Israel will reach you. Whoever raises their hand against Israel will lose it. Whoever attacks us will suffer sevenfold.”

According to Katz, Israel will not tolerate rocket fire or threats to shipping lanes, vowing to deliver severe responses to any aggression.

The Israeli Air Force reportedly conducted precision strikes with dozens of fighter jets and refuelling aircraft, targeting military installations approximately 2,000 kilometres from Israeli territory.

האזעקות במרכז: יורט טיל אחד ששוגר מתימן טרם חצה לשטח הארץ, ההתרעות הופעלו מחשש לנפילת שברי יירוט
@Doron_Kadosh @galdjerassi pic.twitter.com/789s2kIJhh

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The strikes came after a rocket launched from Yemen towards central Israel was intercepted overnight. The Israeli military confirmed the interception of a ballistic missile by its Arrow long-range air defence system.

Debris from the intercepted missile caused significant damage in Israel. A school in Ramat Gan collapsed after being struck by a large fragment, though no casualties were reported. Sirens were activated across central Israel during the incident.

The military is investigating the damage, as past instances of partially intercepted missiles have resulted in significant destruction when warheads remained intact.

This marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and the Houthi movement, as both sides continue to exchange threats and attacks. Israel has consistently warned that it will not allow continued shelling of its territory to go unanswered.

By Tamilla Hasanova