Tel Aviv [Israel], January 11 (HBTV): Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against multiple Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, targeting both coastal and inland infrastructure, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The targets included the Hizaz power station, which the army identified as a crucial electrical infrastructure supporting Houthi military operations. Additional strikes also hit facilities at the Ras Issa and Hodeidah ports along Yemen’s western coast.

The IDF explained that the strikes were a response to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, including drone and missile launches aimed at Israeli territory and civilian infrastructure. The military emphasized that these targeted facilities showcased the Houthis' military use of civilian infrastructure.

"The Houthi terrorist regime serves as a major proxy in Iran's terrorist network, undermining regional order and disrupting global maritime freedom," the army stated.

Reports from Hebrew media suggested that the airstrikes were coordinated with US and British forces, though each country conducted separate operations.

Earlier on Friday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attempted drone attack on Israel the previous night, though Israeli air defenses intercepted three UAVs.

Israeli leaders have heightened their focus on the Houthis since the onset of a ceasefire with Hezbollah, the collapse of Syria's pro-Iran government, and Iraq's Shi'ite militias ceasing their attacks. Since Hamas's October 7 attack, the Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel, the majority of which were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace.

The Houthis have vowed to target any Israel-bound ship in the Red Sea, regardless of ownership. They have attacked or harassed around 100 ships, hijacking the MV Galaxy Leader in November 2023, and are currently holding its crew of 25 hostage. From their bases along Yemen’s coast, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have also threatened ships traversing the Bab el-Mandeb Straits, a vital maritime choke point. This strait is crucial as it facilitates the passage of the majority of the world’s oil from the Indian Ocean to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.

(ANI/TPS)