Israel Launches Surprise Airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, Prompting Missile Retaliation

[ad_1]
📰 Israel Launches Surprise Airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, Prompting Missile Retaliation
🗓️ July 6, 2025
📍 Red Sea, Yemen

📄Israel carried out a surprise wave of airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen for the first time since agreeing to a ceasefire with Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.

According to reports from AP and other media outlets, the Israeli military confirmed that it struck Houthi positions in the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Salif—all strongholds of the Iran-backed militia group.

This operation marks the first direct attack by Israel on Iran’s “proxy armed groups” since the recent truce with Tehran. Israel reportedly issued a 30-minute warning before the strikes and later released footage showing F-16 fighter jets taking off from Israeli bases and engaging in airstrikes.

Israeli media reported that 20 fighter jets launched over 50 bombs and missiles in the coordinated assault.

One major target was the Galaxy Leader—a commercial vessel seized by the Houthis in November 2023. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Houthis converted the ship into a military platform, installing radar systems used to track international maritime traffic and facilitate further terrorist activity.

Shortly after the strikes, the Houthis responded by launching two ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory. The Israeli military claimed it intercepted both projectiles successfully.

The Houthis have consistently launched missiles and drones at Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran last month following a 12-day armed conflict, the Houthis have launched at least three separate attacks targeting Israel since then.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning: “If the Houthis continue to fire missiles and drones at Israeli territory, retaliatory strikes will follow.”

Analysts warn that Israel’s latest strike signals a shift toward preemptive regional engagement against Iran’s proxy networks. The escalation also threatens to further destabilize the Red Sea shipping lanes, which have already seen disruptions due to earlier Houthi attacks.

With tensions reignited in the region and the Gaza conflict still ongoing, the risk of a broader multi-front confrontation remains high.

🔗 Reported from Tel Aviv, Israel – World News War Correspondence Desk

---