Aden – The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of 12 precision airstrikes on Yemen’s strategic Hodeidah port on Tuesday, targeting three major berths allegedly used by Houthi forces for military operations and weapons transfers.

According to official Israeli military statements, the strikes were aimed at “military infrastructure exploited by the Houthi terrorist regime,” including facilities believed to be involved in the transport of Iranian-made weaponry. The attack followed an earlier evacuation warning issued by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), urging all personnel and vessels to vacate the port immediately.

Eyewitnesses reported massive explosions and widespread damage across the targeted areas, with smoke rising from the port’s northern terminals. Local sources confirmed that the strikes disrupted cargo operations and forced humanitarian agencies to suspend relief shipments temporarily.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the operation was part of a broader campaign to “maintain maritime and aerial pressure on the Houthis,” accusing the group of launching repeated drone and missile attacks against Israeli territory and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, in turn, condemned the strikes and warned against publishing footage of the targeted sites, citing “security concerns.” Their spokesperson claimed that Yemeni air defenses had “disrupted enemy formations,” forcing some Israeli aircraft to retreat.

Hodeidah port is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis, serving as the primary entry point for food, fuel, and humanitarian aid. International observers have expressed concern over the escalation, warning that further attacks could deepen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and destabilize maritime trade routes.

The Israeli military has vowed to continue its operations “regardless of distance,” signaling a potential expansion of its regional campaign amid rising tensions linked to the war in Gaza.