Massive Israeli Strikes Target Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen
Date: December 19, 2024
Locations: Sana’a, Hodeidah, Ras Issa – Yemen
Details:
– Operation Overview:
– Israeli forces launched significant airstrikes against Houthi military targets across multiple areas in Yemen. The attacks focused on infrastructure vital to the Houthis’ military capabilities, including ports, power stations, and fuel depots.
– Targets:
– Sana’a: The Central Power Plant was among the primary targets, leading to power outages in the capital.
– Hodeidah: Strikes hit the port city, known for receiving Iranian weapons shipments for the Houthis, causing extensive damage to oil and electrical infrastructure.
– Ras Issa: Similar to Hodeidah, facilities here were struck, impacting the importation of supplies and potentially military logistics.
– Casualties and Damage:
– Casualties are reported, with at least four people killed and 33 wounded in Hodeidah according to local sources.
– Extensive fires and power cuts were observed across the targeted regions, indicating significant structural damage.
– Trigger for Strikes:
– The strikes come in retaliation to recent Houthi missile attacks on Israel, notably an incident where a Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted over Tel Aviv.
– Military Context:
– Aircraft Used: Dozens of Israeli fighter jets were involved, with reports suggesting the use of American-made F-15 and F-35 jets.
– Operational Range: The distance from Israel to Yemen, over 1,000 miles, underscores the strategic and logistical depth of the Israeli Air Force’s capabilities.
– Broader Implications:
– These strikes are part of a wider escalation involving multiple fronts where Israel is facing threats from Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
– The action signals Israel’s intent to defend itself against threats emanating from any part of the “Axis of Resistance,” a network supported by Iran.
– Global Reaction:
– The U.S. has acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense but clarified it was not involved in these specific strikes.
– There’s an increase in calls for ceasefire from European diplomats amidst concerns about regional stability.
Israel’s extensive military operation against Houthi positions in Yemen marks a significant escalation in regional conflicts, directly responding to Houthi aggression. The strikes have not only military but also political repercussions, influencing the dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics and potentially affecting international shipping routes and humanitarian aid to Yemen. Further developments are expected as the situation evolves.