IDF confirms Yemen airstrikes, saying it destroyed infrastructure at Houthi-controlled ports

The IDF in a statement confirms carrying out a wave of airstrikes in Yemen a short while ago, saying it destroyed infrastructure at the Houthi-controlled ports of Hodeidah and Salif, in response to the Iran-backed group’s missile and drone attacks on Israel.

Dozens of Israeli Air Force aircraft were involved in the strikes, including fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes.

“These ports are used for the transfer of weapons and are another example of the cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure by the Houthi terror regime to advance terror,” the military says.

The ports have been targeted by the Israeli Air Force before, as has Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport. The IDF says the strikes are intended to “deepen the damage to the Houthis’ terror capabilities.”

Earlier this week, the IDF warned civilians to evacuate the two ports in western Yemen, along with a third port, Ras Isa, which was not targeted today.

“In light of the Houthi terror regime’s use of these ports for terror purposes, the IDF reiterates its warning to those present at the ports to distance themselves and evacuate the area,” the military says.

Israel waited until the end of US President Trump’s visit to the region before launching its reprisal strikes on the Houthis, a defense source tells Army Radio. Since the IDF’s last strike on Yemen, on May 6, the Houthis launched at least seven missiles and two drones at Israel.