Israel Strikes Houthi Ports in Yemen

Sanaa, July 8, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of Middle East hostilities, Israel launched airstrikes on several Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen early Monday, just hours after a Liberian-flagged ship was attacked and set ablaze in the Red Sea, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel. In retaliation, the Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles toward Israel, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

Prelude: Ship Attack Sparks Global Concern

The series of events began on Sunday, July 6, when the Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas, sailing under a Liberian flag, was attacked southwest of Yemen’s Hodeida port. The vessel, reportedly targeted by small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosive-laden drone boats, sustained significant damage. It eventually began taking on water, prompting the crew to abandon ship. A nearby vessel rescued the seafarers, and no casualties were reported.

Although the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility, maritime security experts and Yemeni government officials, including Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani, attributed the assault to the Iran-backed militia.

Israel Launches Airstrikes on Houthi Infrastructure

In response, the Israeli Air Force carried out precision strikes on Houthi-held ports and infrastructure, including Hodeida, Ras Isa, Salif, and the Ras Kanatib power plant. According to the Israeli military, these locations were being used by the Houthis to receive weapons from Iran, facilitating attacks on Israel and international shipping lanes.

The airstrikes also targeted the Galaxy Leader, a ship seized by the Houthis in November 2023 and allegedly repurposed to support Houthi maritime tracking operations. Footage released by Israel showed F-16 fighter jets taking off for the mission, reinforcing Israel’s commitment to counter threats beyond its borders.

“Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, signaling more military action if Houthi aggression continues.

Houthi Missile Response Hits Israel

Following the airstrikes, Houthi forces fired two ballistic missiles toward Israel. Although the Israeli military activated air defense systems, both missiles reportedly made impact in the West Bank region and near the Dead Sea, though no injuries or fatalities were reported. Sirens were heard across several Israeli cities, adding to public anxiety.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi military, confirmed the Israeli attacks and claimed that Houthi air defense systems engaged incoming aircraft, though provided no evidence of damage or successful interception.

Shipping Threat Grows in Strategic Red Sea

The Magic Seas attack, if confirmed as a Houthi operation, would represent a significant escalation in maritime security threats. Private security firm Ambrey reported that eight skiffs and at least four drone boats participated in the attack, two of which struck the vessel.

Between November 2023 and January 2025, Houthi attacks targeted over 100 commercial vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors. Though these attacks briefly ceased after U.S.-led airstrikes in March, the group has resumed hostilities as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.

The Red Sea corridor is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, typically handling over $1 trillion in goods annually. The ongoing instability has severely impacted global shipping and insurance rates.

Geopolitical Ramifications: Iran, Trump, and Ceasefire Talks

This latest flare-up comes amid high-stakes diplomacy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is en route to Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently launched limited strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, Iran’s future in nuclear negotiations, and broader U.S. involvement in regional conflicts are all now in question.

Conclusion: Escalation or Strategy?

With Israel now acting alone in countering Houthi threats and the rebels intensifying retaliation, analysts fear a prolonged regional conflict could unfold—spilling beyond the Red Sea and potentially derailing fragile ceasefire and diplomatic efforts in the region.

The world watches closely as Israel, the Houthis, and Iran test red lines in a powder-keg Middle East.

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(With inputs from the Associated Press)

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