Israel Bombs Yemeni Ports and Threatens Assassination of Ansarallah Leaders
Escalation follows Houthi missile attacks on Israel, with Defense Minister Katz vowing to "hunt down" Yemeni resistance leaders as airstrikes hit Hodeidah and Salif.
Occupied Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Salif, targeting infrastructure used by the Houthi-led Ansarallah movement. The strikes, which involved dozens of Israeli fighter jets and coordination with the United States, were described as retaliation for recent missile attacks launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory, including a hypersonic missile that struck near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel would “hunt down and eliminate” Ansarallah’s leadership, specifically naming Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, if attacks on Israel continue. Katz cited the assassinations of other regional leaders as precedent, warning that Houthi leaders could face a similar fate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this stance, stating that the strikes were “just the beginning” and vowing to intensify military action if threats persist.
The Israeli military claimed the targeted ports were being used to smuggle Iranian weapons to the Houthis, who have carried out a campaign of attacks against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023. The airstrikes also hit civilian sites, including a cement factory in Bajil, resulting in at least 21 injuries, according to Yemeni media. The full extent of the damage remains unclear.
The escalation comes after a recent truce between the Houthis and the United States, which did not include Israel. Israeli officials have made clear that any further attacks from Yemen will be met with forceful retaliation, including potential targeted assassinations of Ansarallah leaders. The Houthis, meanwhile, have vowed to continue their support for Gaza and maintain their resistance against Israeli actions. (PW)
Sources: The Cradle, PressTV