Israel conducts airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port in Yemen

Israeli warplanes conducted at least 12 airstrikes on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on Tuesday, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, with no immediate reports on damage or casualties. The Israeli military confirmed the attacks in a statement shortly afterward.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on X that "our air defenses are currently confronting Israeli aircraft launching aggression against our country." He claimed the defenses disrupted some aircraft, forcing them to withdraw before launching attacks, but did not specify the type of systems used.

The Israeli military said it targeted a Houthi-controlled infrastructure site at Hodeidah Port. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Air Force carried out the strike as part of Operation "Watcher from Above," aimed at ensuring the continuation of the naval and aerial blockade against the Houthis. "The Houthi terrorist organization will continue to be struck and will pay painful prices for any attempt to attack the State of Israel," Katz said.

Hours before, it issued an evacuation warning for Hodeidah Port, saying it would attack the facility. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee published a map on the social media platform X identifying an area marked in red as the target. "Anyone who remains in the area puts their life in danger," he said, claiming that Houthi forces had used the site.

The warning came hours after Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion into Gaza City, expanding its nearly two-year offensive in the Gaza Strip, and following a United Nations commission report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the enclave.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have stepped up drone and missile attacks after Israel struck senior Houthi leaders in an airstrike in Sana'a. Houthi forces have carried out repeated attacks on Israel since November 2023, saying they are acting in support of Palestinians during Israel's war in Gaza. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-held areas, including Sana'a and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.