The Israeli military announced yesterday that it has targeted an energy facility used by the Houthi movement in Yemen, framing the action as a response to attacks on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the military indicated that it struck deep within Yemen, aiming at the Houthis’ energy infrastructure in the region of Sana’a under their control, although the exact location was not disclosed.
The military further explained that these strikes were a response to the “repeated attacks” by the Houthis against Israel and its citizens, which included the launch of ground-to-ground missiles and drones.
Additionally, the Israeli military accused the Houthis of operating under the guidance and funding of the Iranian regime, with the intent of harming Israel and its allies. They stated that the Houthis are engaged in terrorist activities that threaten global shipping and trade routes.
Houthi media reported, citing civil defense sources, that an American-Israeli attack targeted the Hazeed power station in the Sanhan district, south of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a. A journalist collaborating with AFP noted that significant damage was inflicted at the site.
Eyewitnesses in Sana’a described hearing two powerful explosions early yesterday morning, with flames seen rising from the attacked location. Houthi media also reported that power stations in Sana’a were bombed by Israeli forces, resulting in temporary electricity outages.
Later that day, the Israeli military confirmed it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel, although no further details were provided.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant warned on X (formerly Twitter) that the Houthis would “pay a heavy price for any attempt to fire at Israel.” He added, “We are enforcing a stringent aerial and naval blockade that severely impacts them, and this morning, we targeted infrastructure and energy sites. This is just the beginning,” underscoring that the next phase would be “strong and painful.”
The Israeli military had previously reported the interception of a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday, with the Houthis later claiming responsibility for an operation they said targeted Ben Gurion Airport.
Recently, the Houthis have resumed their attacks in the Red Sea, targeting commercial vessels they allege are linked to Israel, and have expanded their operations to include ships associated with the United States and the United Kingdom, following military strikes initiated by these nations to secure maritime routes starting January 2024.
Sana’a has experienced violent explosions in the past due to airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel, aimed at various positions of the Iran-aligned group as retaliation for Houthi assaults on Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.