While Houthi missile inbound, IAF jets flew to strike Yemen
SHIR PERETS, YONAH JEREMY BOB, AMICHAI STEIN
The strikes began less than an hour after the IDF intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward central Israel by the Houthis.
Israel Air Force (IAF) fighter jets struck Houthi terror targets in the capital of Sana’a in Yemen during the early hours of Thursday morning, as 14 aircraft were already in the air as Yemen fired a ballistic missile towards Israel, the military announced.
The IDF added that the targets Israel struck were used by the Houthis for military purposes, which included smuggling Iranian weapons into the country. The IDF also confirmed that ports and energy infrastructure in Sana’a were hit during the strikes.
A source close to the matter told The Jerusalem Post that Israel gave the US notice prior to the strike in Yemen and that the purpose of the strike was to disable all three Houthi ports in Yemen.
The IDF cited that the US has also attacked Yemen recently, but that given ongoing attacks from the Houthis, “We decided to counter-attack.”
According to the IDF, the Houthis have fired over 200 ballistic missiles and over 170 drones at Israel, with most being shot down by the US or Israel but 22 having penetrated into Israel.
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Israeli fighter jets have struck military targets in Yemen, targeting the Houthi regime accused of working with Iran and Iraqi militias to threaten Israel. The IDF aims to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to use the region for military purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons.
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In July, one Israeli was killed in Tel Aviv by a Houthi drone from Yemen.
The IDF decided to attack before the Wednesday overnight attack, and in fact, the 14 aircraft that attacked Yemen were already on their way for the 1,800-kilometer flight to Yemen at the time that the ballistic missile came close to Israel’s territory.
The aircraft appears to have left Israel around 1:00 a.m.
The IDF was unclear on whether the Houthis detected the attack but said there was no clear evidence that this had occurred.
At 3:15 a.m., the first wave of the air force’s attack hit the Yemen coastal area.
At 4:30 a.m., the second wave of the air force’s attack hit the Houthi capital of Sana.
All 14 aircraft returned safely.
The IDF said it had attacked dozens of targets in five main areas.
There were attacks in Hodeidah, Ras Isa, other coast areas, and many smaller ports, such as Al-Salif. Each target area had dozens of targets, especially Sana’a, regarding Houthi electricity and oil.
In addition, eight special large ships were attacked.
Destroying those ships could shut down those ports because these ships can block certain areas and also are often required to pull in other ships to port.
The IDF said that it could take time for the Houthis to find replacements for such unique ships.
Further, the IDF said all the areas attacked helped the Houthis fund their war items and weapons.
The strikes on the terror group were carried out with the direction of the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Navy, the IDF said.
Notably, it added that the airstrikes began shortly after the Houthis fired a projectile from Yemen toward central Israel during the early hours of Thursday morning. The projectile was then intercepted by the IAF.
The airstrikes in Yemen reportedly killed nine, Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV said.
Seven were killed in a strike on the port of Salif and the rest in two strikes on the Ras Issa oil facility, said Al Masirah, both located in the western province of Hodeidah.
The strikes also targeted two central power stations south and north of the capital, Sana’a, it added.
Katz threatens whoever plans on harming Israel
Katz later reiterated his commitment to operating against all threats posed to the citizens of Israel.
“Last night, we struck the Houthis in Yemen,” the defense minister said.
“I warn the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israel’s long arm will reach you as well. Those who raise a hand against the State of Israel will have their hand severed, and those who harm us will be struck sevenfold.”
“We will strike with force and will not allow attacks or threats against the State of Israel.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
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