Media: Israel launches airstrikes on Houthi-held ports in Yemen

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has reportedly carried out a series of airstrikes on three ports in Yemen under the control of the Houthi movement, following a warning issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urging civilians to evacuate the areas.

Colonel Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, cautioned residents on May 11 to leave the ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif “for their own safety” and avoid returning “until further notice,” Caliber.Az reports per Al Arabiya.

His statement emphasised that the seaports were being used for hostile activities and urged civilians to steer clear to minimise risk to life.

According to regional media outlets, including Saudi-owned Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, at least ten airstrikes were conducted on the Ras Isa fuel port. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry claimed that the port in Hodeidah was also targeted. An Iranian-linked facility at an undisclosed location had also been struck.

The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions. Last week, Israel and the United States jointly carried out operations against Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen, in response to a ballistic missile fired towards the vicinity of Ben-Gurion Airport.

On May 6, Israeli airstrikes on Sana’a — including at the capital’s international airport — caused significant damage to local infrastructure. The operations reportedly incurred a cost of approximately 13 million shekels..

Yemeni authorities have previously denied reports suggesting Israeli involvement in strikes on Ras Isa on May 9-10, contradicting claims made by Al Hadath.

By Aghakazim Guliyev