US launches fresh airstrikes on Yemen as Houthis strike Israel

DDM News

The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port in Hodeidah province early Friday.

Yemen is a country located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east.

Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Yemen is home to stunning landscapes ranging from deserts and mountain ranges to beautiful coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

It is also famous for its ancient architecture, such as the historic city of Sana’a with its unique multi-story buildings, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shibam, often referred to as “the Manhattan of the Desert.”

Despite its natural beauty and historical significance, Yemen has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including political instability and humanitarian crises.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the strikes targeted the same oil facility that was bombed in April during one of the deadliest US attacks in Yemen to date.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that seven US airstrikes struck the Ras Isa site, located in the al-Salif district of western Yemen.

The attacks occurred within hours of each other, further escalating tensions in an already unstable region.

The latest bombing comes just weeks after a US airstrike at the same location killed at least 80 people.

That April attack also left 150 others injured, drawing strong condemnation from humanitarian groups and several regional governments.

Despite the widespread criticism, the Biden administration has defended the strikes as necessary for protecting international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks.

Officials described the strikes as part of a broader military campaign to secure Red Sea maritime routes and limit Houthi military influence.

This renewed US military action coincided with an escalation by the Houthis.

On Friday, the group launched two ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli territory.

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, claimed the missiles targeted the Ramat David military airbase in northern Israel and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.

The group stated the attack was carried out in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.

“The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching two missiles towards northern Israel, targeting the Ramat David military airbase and the Tel Aviv area, as the group continues its military pressure in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire.”

The Israeli military confirmed that one of the missiles was intercepted.

A second interceptor missile was launched at the remaining projectile.

Air raid sirens were activated in parts of northern and central Israel following the attempted strikes.

Israeli officials reported no casualties or damage.

The outcome of the second interception is still under investigation.

Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, described the missile launches as a “military operation.”

He said the missiles were aimed at a “key Israeli military site,” and warned of continued resistance operations.

Friday’s developments illustrate the expanding regional scope of the Gaza conflict.

The Houthis, originally focused on Yemen’s civil war, have extended their operations to include attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping.

In response, the US has intensified its military strikes on Houthi-controlled areas.

Washington maintains that these actions are necessary for international security.

However, humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the growing toll on Yemeni civilians.

The United Nations continues to label Yemen as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

The civil war, which began in 2015, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.

The Houthis seized the capital, Sana’a, in 2014 and overthrew the internationally recognized government, prompting military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition.

Since then, Yemen has become a battleground for regional and international powers, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the US.

Friday’s airstrikes and missile launches signal deepening regional involvement in what began as a local conflict.

Analysts warn that without diplomatic solutions, the war could widen into a broader Middle Eastern confrontation with global consequences.

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