Representatives of Yemen’s Islamist Houthi militias described what they called “Israeli strikes” on Hodeida on Friday, May 16th. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV also reported strikes on the more northerly port of Salif.
Both areas received a warning from the Israeli military to evacuate civilians. The Yemen-based militias turned their attention from domestic conflict to targeting ‘Zionist shipping,’ supposedly in support of Gaza, in January 2024.
Israeli retaliation follows a Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion airport. The decision to hit back also broadly coincides with a ceasefire reached between the Houthis and the U.S. Trump administration.
Israel confirmed responsibility for the attacks and promised ‘more to come.’