The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday launched a series of airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
IDF said dozens of Israeli aircraft took part in the airstrikes. These included fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes.
⭕️ IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 19, 2024
Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in… pic.twitter.com/hYNRstbhxP
Besides the Hodeida port, IDF claimed that it struck the capital, Sanaa, saying they destroyed tugboats used to bring ships to ports and power stations in the attacks.
Israel went on to claim that following the latest attack, all operations at the three ports controlled by the Houthis are now paralysed.
IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari alleged the Houthis were using the ports and energy infrastructure for military purposes, vowing that Israel will "act against anyone in the Middle East" who threatens Israel.
Acknowledging the attacks, Houthis said nine people were killed in the IDF strikes targeting Sana'a and Hodeida, besides the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea.
This came after the Houthis fired a ballistic missile that was intercepted outside the Israeli airspace, according to the IDF.
Israeli authorities said the falling shrapnel inflicted heavy damage on a school in the city of Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. No casualties were reported. Several parked cars were also struck by the shrapnel.
However, a Houthi representative, identified as Yahya Saree, said they fired not one, but two missiles, aimed at "specific and sensitive military targets" in Tel Aviv.
In July, a drone sent by the Houthis killed a civilian in Tel Aviv.
