Israel Issues Second Warning to Evacuate Near Houthi-Controlled Ports
For the second time in about a month, Israel has warned the citizens living near Houthi-controlled ports to evacuate for their own safety. The first warning was issued on May 10, and a week later, approximately 35 bombs were dropped on the Hodeidah and Salif ports, causing significant damage to the infrastructure.
Today, a similar warning was posted in Arabic on social media by spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee of the Israel Defense Force. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging everyone in and around Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif ports to evacuate and stay away until further notice.
According to Adraee, the warning was issued due to the terrorist activities of the Houthi regime, who are allegedly using the seaports to bring weapons, including missiles and drones, into the country. The Times of Israel reported that the Houthis have launched several ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel since the May 16 strikes on the ports, with one missile falling short earlier today.
During the previous series of strikes, Israel deployed 15 fighter jets supported by refueling and surveillance planes to target the ports. The damage caused was significant, leading to disruptions in port operations. While it is unclear how much vessel traffic has resumed at the ports, reports suggest that the Houthis have prevented ships from leaving and claimed that several vessels were damaged during the attack.
Despite not targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea area this year, the Houthis have shifted their focus to launching long-range missiles towards Israel, threatening to attack the port of Haifa. In response, Israel has vowed to retaliate and has warned the leaders of the Houthi movement, citing previous assassinations of leaders within Hamas and Hezbollah.
Previous attacks by Israel targeted power stations, weapons storage areas, and the Houthi stronghold of Sanaa, as well as the city’s airports. Following extensive U.S. strikes between March and May, reports indicated that with Iran’s assistance, the Houthis were beginning to rearm.