The Israeli Air Force releases footage showing yesterday’s airstrike against the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida in western Yemen, which came following a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv carried out by the Iran-backed group.
The video shows missiles launched by IAF fighter jets striking four large container cranes at the port, used to unload shipments. The IAF also releaseed footage showing fighter jets being refueled amid the operation, dubbed “Outstretched Arm,” as well as the arrival of some of the aircraft back at Israel following the strike.
The strike, carried out by dozens of Israeli aircraft, targeted fuel depots and energy infrastructure at the port, in addition to the cranes.The strike on the fuel depot is a major blow to the Houthi economy, and the cranes being taken out of service prevents the group from bringing in more Iranian weapons via the port that have been used to target Israel, along with commercial and military ships in the Red Sea.
Saturday’s strike on Hodeida Port was considered by the IAF to be almost excessive, aimed at causing financial damage to the Iran-backed group and denying it the ability to import weapons, as well as sending a message of deterrence.
Following Friday’s Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which killed Yevgeny Ferder, 50, the IAF assessed that the Iran-backed group in Yemen would continue to carry out attacks on Israel, regardless of an Israeli response.
The Houthis have launched more than 220 missiles and drones at the country in the past nine months. Israel, until Friday’s deadly attack in Tel Aviv, chose not to respond to those attacks.