Israel attacks Yemen: Israel launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday following missile attacks directed at Israel by the Iran-backed Houthi militias. The retaliatory strikes mark a new front in the ongoing regional conflict, further complicating an already volatile Middle East landscape.Israeli airstrikes target key Yemeni sitesAccording to an official statement by the Israeli military, the strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including power plants and a seaport at Ras Issa and Hodeidah, both located in western Yemen. The air assault, involving dozens of fighter jets and aircraft, resulted in widespread power outages in the port city of Hodeidah, residents confirmed.Over the past year, the Houthis have been operating under the direction and funding of Iran, in cooperation with Iraqi militias, to attack the State of Israel, destabilize the region, and disrupt global freedom of navigation, the Israeli military statement read.🚨🇾🇪🇮🇱BREAKING: MULTIPLE IDF AIRSTRIKES TARGET YEMENS MAIN PORTOver 10 attacks have been reported in the Hodeidah area in Yemen, targeting the port, a power station, and oil tanks.Unlike the previous attack in July, this assault also hit the Ras Issa port, located several… https://t.co/W06LfuRMh2 pic.twitter.com/vYQZYPQsno— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 29, 2024Irans role in the conflictThe Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their missile and drone attacks on Israel in recent days, citing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians following the Gaza war. The conflict erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Since then, the Houthis have launched several attacks, including ballistic missile strikes.In the latest incident, the Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a ballistic missile at Israels Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on Saturday. Israeli defense forces successfully intercepted the missile, preventing any damage. Another missile, launched on Friday, was similarly intercepted before reaching its target.Mourning Hezbollahs lossAdding to the complex web of alliances in the region, the Houthi movement recently mourned the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, their ally in the Iran-backed coalition against Israel. Nasrallah was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, further inflaming tensions between Israel and various militant groups across the Middle East.
