SANAA, May 16 – Israeli airstrikes on two Houthi-controlled ports in northwestern Yemen on Friday killed at least one person and wounded nine others, according to Houthi-run health authorities.
The strikes targeted the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and As-Salif in Hodeidah province, the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV reported. The statement indicated all casualties were port workers and cautioned that the death toll could rise.
The Israeli military confirmed its forces conducted the strikes, stating that 15 fighter jets were involved and deployed over 30 munitions against what it described as military targets used for weapons transfers.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the raids followed prior warnings aimed at minimizing civilian casualties.
The IDF noted this was its eighth strike against Houthi targets in Yemen, following previous operations targeting the same ports and Sanaa International Airport.
The Israeli action occurred a day after Israel intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis over its territory. On Thursday, the Houthis stated their missile attacks on Israel would continue until Israel halts its military operations in Gaza and lifts its blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
On May 6, Israeli airstrikes severely damaged Sanaa International Airport, destroying its runway, a passenger plane, and critical infrastructure, rendering the facility inoperable. Houthi authorities reported three people were killed and at least 39 wounded in those strikes, which hit the Yemeni capital and nearby Amran province.
The latest attack also followed an Oman-brokered ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the United States. Under the terms of the reported agreement, the Houthis agreed to suspend attacks on U.S. vessels in the Red Sea in exchange for a halt to American airstrikes on Houthi positions.
XINHUA
