An Israeli security official confirmed Monday evening that Israel struck the strategic port of Hodeidah in Yemen using 30 aircraft. The operation, coordinated with the US, targeted the port itself, a concrete plant, cargo unloading docks, and led to the destruction of concrete structures. The operation has been named "Port City."
The operation comes in response to missile fire by Shiite militia toward Israel, which caused a direct hit in Ben-Gurion Airport. Present in the Kirya's underground command center during the strike were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Video: Israel strikes Houthis at Yemen's Hodeidah port
In addition, The United States carried out a broad wave of airstrikes across northern Yemen, hitting multiple targets belonging to the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist organization. According to local sources, the strikes focused on the provinces of Al-Jawf and Sanaa, and at least seven targets were hit.
A senior source in southern Yemen told Israel Hayom, in response to recent Houthi threats to target Ben-Gurion Airport, that "this group only understands the language of death. There is no solution with them except through overwhelming force, with genuine support for the southern armed forces and the national [Yemeni] army, alongside continued US airstrikes."
Overnight, the US struck dozens of Houthi positions across Yemen. The targets included weapons depots, hideouts, and military posts, with strikes reported in the provinces of Sanaa, Saada, Marib, and Hodeidah. The Ras Issa fuel terminal was also reportedly hit again.
Video: Missile launched from Yemen impacts Ben-Gurion Airport
The escalation follows assessments that the Houthis on Sunday launched a new type of missile toward the Ben-Gurion Airport. Despite the ongoing US campaign, the terrorist organization is believed to be continuing the development of new missiles and UAVs.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree threatened that the group would impose a "total aerial blockade" on Israel, primarily by targeting its airports, including Ben-Gurion. He urged foreign airlines to stop flying to and from Israel. His comments came after a Houthi ballistic missile struck an open area near the airport on Sunday.
