Israel intensifies strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen under Operation Black Flag

Israel’s Minister of Defense has announced the launch of Operation Black Flag, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carrying out strikes on multiple military targets belonging to the Houthi movement in Yemen.

IAF fighter jets, supported by intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Navy, targeted key sites including the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant. Among the strikes was the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader, seized by the Houthis in November 2023 and reportedly used for monitoring maritime traffic in the Red Sea.

The defense minister said the operation came in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis against Israeli civilians and infrastructure, including the launching of UAVs and missiles towards Israel. He also warned that anyone who threatens Israel will face consequences.

The IDF said the ports were are used by the Houthis to allegedly receive weapons from Iran, which were then employed for attacks against Israel and its allies. It added that the Houthis had exploited civilian infrastructure and maritime routes to carry out their activities.

Prior to the operation, Israel issued evacuation warnings.

Yemeni media reported that Israeli warplanes struck the ports of Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif, along with the Ras al-Kathib central power plant, dropping 53 bombs.

Yemeni Houthis said their air defences launched surface-to-air missiles during Israeli airstrikes, forcing several fighter jets to retreat before completing their missions

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