The Israeli military launched a series of air strikes on Sunday night targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, in what it described as retaliation for repeated missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory. The strikes marked a significant escalation in the already volatile Middle East conflict.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), around 20 fighter jets carried out the strikes, targeting the Red Sea ports of Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and al-Salif, along with the Ras Kanatib power station and the hijacked cargo ship Galaxy Leader.

The Bahamas-flagged vessel was seized by Houthi forces in November 2023 and had allegedly been repurposed for maritime surveillance.

The IDF said the targeted facilities were being used to facilitate arms transfers from Iran and support military operations against Israel. The Ras Kanatib power station, it added, was being used to power Houthi command centers in the region.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning following the strikes, stating, “The fate of Yemen is the same as the fate of Tehran. Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed.”

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea responded by claiming that the group’s air defences had “successfully” repelled the Israeli assault. He further stated that Houthi forces had launched a retaliatory attack targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the ports of Ashdod and Eilat, and a power plant in Ashkelon using 11 missiles and drones.

Following the air strikes, sirens were triggered across parts of southern Israel and the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military reported reviewing its interception efforts, though no casualties have been reported from either side at this time.

Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that the Israeli strikes damaged key infrastructure, including Hudaydah port and the Ras Kanatib power plant. No official confirmation on the extent of the damage or casualties was provided.

The Houthis, who have controlled much of north-western Yemen since 2014, have intensified attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. The group claims its operations are acts of solidarity with Palestinians.

Also on Sunday, a Liberian-flagged Greek bulk carrier, Magic Seas, was attacked by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. The vessel sustained damage and a fire after being hit by sea drones and missiles. The crew was rescued by a passing merchant vessel.

While the Houthis agreed to a ceasefire with the U.S. in May concerning international shipping, they maintained that Israel remains a legitimate target. With both sides vowing further retaliation, the threat of a prolonged regional confrontation looms.