Israeli Airstrikes Hit Houthi-Controlled Hudaydah Port in Yemen

Yeman, September 16, 2025 : In a major escalation of regional tensions, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out 12 airstrikes on the strategically vital Hudaydah port in western Yemen. The IDF stated that the operation aimed at destroying Iranian weapons infrastructure, which they claim is being used by the Houthi militia to supply arms for attacks against Israel and its allies.

The airstrikes specifically targeted key facilities at the port, including weapons storage areas and loading platforms used to transfer military equipment. According to the IDF, intelligence gathered over recent months confirmed that smuggled arms, including missiles, drones, and rocket components, were being moved through the port under the supervision of Iran-backed forces.

Prior to the operation, the IDF issued emergency warnings urging civilians to leave the area, aiming to minimize casualties and collateral damage. Despite these warnings, local sources reported that several residential buildings were affected, and humanitarian agencies have expressed concern over the worsening conditions in the region.

The Houthi forces responded by claiming that their air defense systems engaged the Israeli aircraft during the strikes. Yahya Saree, a senior military spokesperson for the Houthis, asserted that their defenses forced several Israeli jets to retreat before completing the attacks, although infrastructure damage still occurred. He described the assault as a “violation of Yemeni sovereignty” and vowed to continue defending their territory.

This military action is part of a broader pattern of exchanges between Israel and Houthi forces, with the latter frequently launching missile and drone attacks in retaliation for Israeli strikes. The Houthis have justified their actions as support for the Palestinian cause, intensifying the already complex conflict in the region.

Experts warn that the continued use of Hudaydah port as a weapons conduit could further destabilize the Red Sea corridor, a critical global shipping route. There are growing fears that the escalation could draw neighboring countries into a wider conflict, endangering regional security and the lives of thousands of civilians.

The international community has urged restraint and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains that its operations are necessary to prevent the transfer of weapons that threaten Israeli security, while Houthi leaders insist on defending their territory against foreign aggression. The crisis remains a focal point of concern as tensions across the Middle East continue to mount.