Hodeidah (South24)

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The Israeli military launched new airstrikes hours ago on the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port in Yemen, marking the second wave of attacks following the devastating srikes on July 20.

The Israeli military spokesperson for Arab Media, Avichay Adraee, stated: "In a large-scale air operation today, dozens of Air Force aircraft [..] raided targets used by the terrorist Houthi regime in the Ras Issa and Hodeidah areas."

The statement said that "the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked power stations and a seaport used for importing oil,” alleging that the attacked ports and infrastructures are used by the Houthis to transfer Iranian weapons and military supplies, including oil, to the region. 

“This strike comes in response to the recent attacks carried out by the Houthis against Israel,” the statement continued.

According to the Israeli military, the attack took place roughly 1,800 kilometers from Israel’s border.

The Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV reported that the airstrikes hit the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa, as well as the Al-Hali and Ras Katheeb power stations.

"Precautions were taken and oil tanks were emptied in advance at the port of Ras Issa and the port of Hodeidah, and an emergency plan was put in place. These attacks are a failure,” said Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of the Houthi media authority. 

Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising from the port of Hodeidah following the strikes. The damage, however, appeared to be less severe compared to the previous Israeli attack in July, which sparked fires that burned until the next day.

The Israeli military operation comes in response to a Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv on Thursday night.

On Friday, Houthi officials announced that they had targeted a military site in Tel Aviv with a "Palestine 2" missile, claiming the attack was successful. They also launched a “Yaffa” drone attack on Ashkelon. The Houthis stated that both operations had “achieved their goals.” 

However, the Israeli forces confirmed that they had intercepted the missile launched over Tel Aviv using the "Arrow" defense system.

The Houthis previously used the "Yaffa" drone in an attack on Tel Aviv in July, which resulted in the death of an Israeli, prompting Israel’s initial strike on the port of Hodeidah in retaliation.