Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, marking its first attack on the country in nearly a month. The Israeli military said it struck three ports—Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif—along with the Ras Qantib power plant.

According to the Israeli military, the attacks were in response to repeated Houthi strikes on Israel. The military also targeted the Galaxy Leadership, located at Ras Isa port, which had been seized by Houthi forces in late 2023.

Explaining the reason behind hitting the ship, the Israeli military said, "The Houthi terrorist regime’s forces installed a radar system on the ship and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space in order to promote the Houthi terrorist regime’s activities."

The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that Israel launched a series of strikes on Hodeidah. These strikes came shortly after the Israeli military had warned civilians to evacuate the three Yemeni ports.

Just hours before the attack, a ship was hit off the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. The ship began taking on water, and its crew abandoned it. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility, the security company Ambrey said the ship matched the “typical profile of a Houthi target.”

Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, Houthi fighters, backed by Iran, have fired missiles and drones at Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea. They say these attacks are in support of Palestinians.

Most of these projectiles have either been intercepted or missed their targets. Israel has responded with several retaliatory airstrikes.

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