Israel Targets Houthi-Controlled Ports and Power Plant in Yemen, Strikes Hijacked Ship
Israel has launched a series of strikes on three ports and a power station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including an attack on the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by the Iran-backed rebel group in 2023.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the strikes were part of “Operation Black Flag” and warned that the Houthis “will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.” The Galaxy Leader, now under Houthi control, had reportedly been used to monitor maritime traffic in international waters.
Israeli Strikes and Houthi Retaliation
The Israeli military said its attacks targeted the ports of Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Saif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power station, which supplies electricity to the cities of Ibb and Taizz. Shortly after the strikes, two missiles were fired from Yemen toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens in several areas. The Israeli military stated that interception results were still “under review.”
A Houthi military spokesperson claimed their air defenses engaged the Israeli assault using “a large number of domestically-produced surface-to-air missiles.” Houthi-run media confirmed strikes on Hudaydah but provided no details on casualties or damage.
Escalation in the Israel-Houthi Conflict
The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have repeatedly launched missiles at Israel and attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel’s Air Force said the latest strikes were a direct response to the Houthis’ “repeated attacks” on Israel and its citizens. It also accused the targeted ports of being used to “transfer weapons from the Iranian regime to carry out terror plans” against Israel and its allies.
Katz issued a stark warning on social media, stating: “The fate of Yemen is the same as the fate of Tehran. Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, and anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off.”
Humanitarian Concerns Over Hudaydah Port
Hudaydah, Yemen’s main entry point for food and humanitarian aid, has faced multiple Israeli strikes over the past year, including attacks in May and June 2025. The latest assault raises further concerns over the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where millions rely on aid shipments through the port.
The conflict between Israel and the Houthis continues to escalate, with no signs of de-escalation as both sides vow retaliation for each attack. The involvement of Iranian-backed forces in Yemen adds another layer of complexity to the broader regional tensions.
