Israel Responds with Airstrikes After Houthi Rebels Launch Missile from Yemen

Israel’s military executed airstrikes on Monday morning, targeting key ports and facilities controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In retaliation, the Houthis launched missiles at Israel, escalating tensions in the region.

This exchange followed an incident on Sunday where a Liberian-flagged ship in the Red Sea was attacked, causing it to catch fire and take on water. The crew was ultimately forced to abandon the vessel.

Immediate suspicion for the attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier, Magic Seas, fell on the Houthis. A security firm reported that drone boats carrying explosives had struck the ship after it had been targeted by small arms and grenades.

Although the Houthis acknowledged the attack, they did not claim responsibility, a typical practice for them. These developments raise concerns about a renewed Houthi offensive against maritime operations, which could draw U.S. and Western military involvement, particularly after a significant airstrike campaign against the rebels initiated under President Donald Trump.

The ship attack occurred amid precarious conditions in the Middle East, as discussions of a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas linger, while Iran considers resuming nuclear negotiations after American strikes on its nuclear facilities. The Israeli military confirmed targeting Houthi-held ports in Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, along with the Ras Kanatib power plant.

They released footage of an F-16 carrying out the strikes, emphasizing that these ports serve as hubs for weapons transfer from Iran to the Houthis for hostile operations against Israel. In retaliation, the Houthis allegedly launched missiles at Israel, with sirens sounding in various locations across the region, although no injuries were reported.

The escalation is part of Israel’s ongoing operations against the Houthis, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who warned that any aggression towards Israel would be met with retaliation. Meanwhile, the attack on Magic Seas resulted in the crew abandoning ship after facing a coordinated assault involving drones and armed skiffs.

The owners of the vessel did not respond to requests for comment.