Israel’s Air Force pounds Houthi targets in Yemen as fighter jets safely return to Israeli airspace

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted a powerful airstrike on Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen, targeting the Iran-backed group’s military infrastructure in response to their repeated attacks on Israel. Approximately 20 fighter jets participated, dropping around 50 munitions on dozens of strategic sites, including a concrete factory near the Hodeidah port, a key logistical hub for the Houthis. The operation was a direct countermeasure to the Houthi’s ballistic missile and drone assaults on Israeli territory, which they claim support the Palestinian cause in Gaza.

According to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, the strike on the concrete factory near Hodeidah injured 21 people. The IDF confirmed that the targets were military assets, noting the Houthi’s role in facilitating Iran’s weapon supply network in the region. The Houthis have launched over 220 missiles and drones at Israel in the past year, primarily targeting Eilat, with a notable drone attack in Tel Aviv in July 2024 that killed one civilian. This latest operation follows a similar IAF strike on Hodeidah on September 29, 2024, which targeted oil facilities and power plants, resulting in four deaths and 29 injuries, per Houthi reports.

The IAF’s long-range operation, conducted over 1,800 kilometers from Israel, demonstrated its advanced capabilities. Following the successful strike, IAF aircraft returned safely to Israel and were observed flying over Eilat and the Arava region. The IDF reiterated its resolve to neutralize threats from the Houthis, who operate under Iranian guidance, and vowed to strike any group endangering Israeli citizens. This operation signals heightened regional tensions as Israel continues to confront Iran-backed proxies across multiple fronts.