Israel has extended its military operations into Yemen, targeting power plants and seaport facilities controlled by the Houti. This was the second round of attacks launched by Israel against Yemen since July 2023. The situation in West Asia is getting volatile, with Israel focusing not only on Hezbollah in Lebanon but also on addressing the threats posed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have consistently launched missile attacks against the Jewish state.
⭕️BREAKING: The IAF struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime in Yemen in response to their recent attacks against Israel.
The targets included power plants and a seaport, which were used by the Houthis to transfer Iranian weapons to the region, in… pic.twitter.com/QaWSD3uMEJ— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 29, 2024
Airstrikes in Yemen: Why Now?
On Sunday, Israel unleashed a massive air operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Israel pounded military installations at the Ras Isa and Hodeidah ports, some of Yemen's most crucial points for aid delivery. The response from the Israel Defense Forces came swift after the Houthis fired a surface-to-surface missile targeting Israel. The missile, launched on September 28, allegedly was meant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plane when it made its landing at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The missile was successfully caught and detonated before it could land on its intended target by the Arrow defense system of Israel. Thereafter, Israeli fighter jets, along with reconnaissance and refueling planes, deluged critical areas controlled by Houthis., four were confirmed dead, including one port worker, and three engineers, while at least 33 were reported injured as the fighting continued in the city.
Role of Houthis in Conflict
An armed political group based in Yemen, predominantly made up of the country's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis, the Houthis have become stronger over the recent years, taking over large parts of northern Yemen, up to the capital, Sanaa. Partnered with Iran, they are financed and armed. This partnership has made the Houthis a powerful force in the West Asian region. The Houthis have targeted various Israeli cities and other strategic assets, which include military bases and ships in the Red Sea in their attacks against Israel. In addition, since October 2023, the group has pledged its solidarity with Hamas and has engaged in missile and drone attacks as part of their comprehensive resistance efforts against Israel.
Indeed, a potential devastating aftermath by Israel in choosing to attack Ras Isa and Hodeidah ports may lie for Yemen's currently catastrophic humanitarian situation. The two ports are the main entry points for food, medicine, and fuel for millions of Yemenis who have suffered at the hands of civil war for years. The blockage of these facilities may help worsen the human tragedy, leaving people even more deprived of much-needed resources.
Iran's Response and Regional Consequences
Iran has strongly condemned Israel's actions, claiming the Jewish state targets civilian infrastructure. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani called the strikes "inhumane" and put the blame for the ongoing military operations across the region on the US for supporting them. Israel maintains that it has the right to preserve its sovereignty and safety by conducting its operations. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed that "no place is too far" for Israel to respond to attacks on its nation. Israel and the Houthis, if they continue their attacks, are seemingly only adding more fuel to the fears of what may eventually become much more widespread conflict in the region. Adding the Houthis to the list besides Hezbollah and Hamas places a strain on what is already an unstable region.
Things have become more unstable in the West Asia region with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and Iran's continued support for anti-Israel factions creating a likelihood of a further regional war. The humanitarian crisis owing to civil war in Yemen now awaits destabilization due to the attacks on its critical infrastructure.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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