Latest news with #SanaaInternationalAirport
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Israel And Yemen's Houthis Threaten To Blockade Each Other's Ports
An Israeli navy missile boat patrols in the Red Sea off the coast of Israel's southern port city of ... More Eliat on December 26, 2023. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) Israel attacked the major Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeidah using its naval forces for the first time on Tuesday. The Israeli defense minister warned the Houthis that it will impose a 'naval and air blockade' if it doesn't cease targeting Israel with ballistic missiles and drones. Katz's threat follows similar threats by the Yemen-based group to blockade Israeli ports. However, given the vast distances and logistical resources required to impose such blockades, are these mere empty threats? 'We warned the Houthi terror organization that if they continue to fire at Israel they will face a powerful response and enter a naval and air blockade,' warned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday. Katz also declared that Israel's 'long arm in the air and at sea will reach everywhere.' Israeli missile boats hit the Red Sea Yemeni port on Tuesday morning using missile boats. Hodeidah is at least 1,180 miles from Israel's southernmost port of Eilat, also on the Red Sea. Before Tuesday's unprecedented attack, Israel invariably retaliated to Houthi attacks using fighter jets to carry out long-range strikes targeting Hodeidah, Sanaa International Airport, and other ports and economic-related targets controlled by the Houthis. The use of the warships for such a long-distance raid was notable and may signal Israel's willingness to use different tactics against the group. Katz's mention of a naval blockade comes less than a month after the Houthis declared a 'maritime blockade' on Israel's Haifa port on the Eastern Mediterranean, warning all companies and ships that the port is on its target list. 'The Houthis lack the capability to conduct a blockade. They can only threaten episodic attacks on shipping in the hopes that it will deter shipping companies from traveling to Israel,' Bryan Clark, a naval expert at the Hudson Institute think tank, told me. Mohammed Al-Basha, a Middle East security analyst at the Basha Report Risk Advisory, similarly believes that the likelihood of the Houthis successfully blockading Haifa's port remains low. 'Haifa receives its maritime traffic from the Mediterranean Sea and not the Red Sea, unlike Eilat Port (in southern Israel), which has already experienced near-closure due to repeated Houthi attacks,' Al-Basha told me. 'The Houthis do not currently possess the range or naval power to seriously affect Mediterranean shipping routes.' On the other hand, Israel's capability to enforce a blockade against Hodeidah and other Houthi-controlled ports is markedly greater. The most advanced warship in the Israeli Navy's surface fleet is undoubtedly its Sa'ar 6 corvette, which Al-Basha described as the 'central element' of Israel's expanding Red Sea presence. 'Earlier this week, the Sa'ar 6 reportedly launched only two missiles to strike berths at Hodeidah Port,' he said. 'Despite this limited action, the ship is capable of remaining at sea for more than a month, providing sustained offensive and defensive capabilities against Houthi targets as operations continue.' Outfitted with long-range precision-guided missiles such as the Gabriel V sea-skimming anti-ship missile and Delilah GL cruise missile, the Sa'ar 6 can engage targets from up to 186 mile off Yemen's coast. The small vessels also feature advanced defensive systems, including Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles and the naval version of Israel's well-known Iron Dome, the C-Dome. The corvettes can each carry an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter that can fire AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles. During previous clashes with the Houthis, U.S. Navy destroyer often defended themselves and commercial shipping using expensive SM-3 and SM-6 air defense missiles to intercept Houthi ballistic missiles and drones. The U.S. has since ceased operations against the Houthis after reaching a ceasefire in early May, which did not stipulate that the Houthis must cease targeting Israel. Consequently, Israel has been going it alone against the group ever since with long-range airstrikes and now seaborne attacks. 'I think the threat to Israeli ships is about the same as that posed to U.S. destroyers, although the Israeli missile boats have less air defense capacity,' Clark said. However, the smaller Israeli missile corvettes have some advantages over their much bulkier counterparts serving in the all-mighty U.S. Navy. 'Beyond tactical missions, the deployment of the Sa'ar 6 serves as a strategic signal of Israel's intent to expand their projection of power in the Red Sea,' Al-Basha said. 'Unlike a U.S. carrier strike group, which is slower and logistically complex, the Sa'ar 6 offers speed and maneuverability, making it a more elusive and survivable platform against asymmetric threats like those posed by the Houthis.' Despite such advantages, Israel would undoubtedly find imposing even a limited blockade on Yemen significantly challenging. 'There is growing speculation that Israel may also deploy the ship to intercept suspected Iranian weapons shipments destined for the Houthis,' Al-Basha said. 'Israeli military leadership has hinted at the possibility of imposing a limited maritime blockade on Houthi-controlled ports.' 'However, enforcing a full naval blockade would be challenging due to the limited operational range of Israel's air force and navy, the high logistical and financial costs involved, and the significant threat posed by the Houthis' array of anti-ship capabilities.' Al-Basha anticipates that Israeli commandos may board vessels Israel suspects of smuggling arms to the Houthis, which would align with Israel's broader strategy of disrupting Houthi supply lines without having to commit to a full blockade. The Hudson Institute's Clark similarly believes that the Israeli Navy could 'sustain a force' at Yemeni ports to stop traffic and inspect vessels it suspects of arms smuggling. 'However, it would likely take most of Israel's naval forces to do it,' he said. Aside from its Sa'ar-class corvettes on the surface, the Israeli Navy also has a fleet of German-built Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines armed with torpedos and cruise missiles. 'Submarines could be used to attack shipping, but it is difficult for a submarine to determine if a ship is carrying humanitarian aid or weapons,' Clark said. 'Therefore, subs are unlikely to be used to be used as part of a blockade,' Undoubtedly, Israel is much more capable of imposing a blockade on Yemeni ports than vice-versa. Nevertheless, the Houthis can credibly threaten Israel in other ways and may ultimately prove capable of harming Haifa's port. 'Looking ahead, the Houthis may attempt to escalate their campaign using advanced missile technology,' Al-Basha said. 'There are credible reports that they could deploy multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles or MIRVs on their Palestine 2 and Zulfiqar medium-range ballistic missiles.' 'A successful strike on Haifa's port infrastructure or a vessel docked in port could temporarily disrupt shipping operations and increase pressure on Israeli logistics.' The Houthis have fired repeatedly at Israel's main airport, Ben Gurion International. While they have so far failed to directly hit the airport, a Houthi ballistic missile evaded Israeli Arrow and American THAAD air defenses hit the perimeter of the main terminal on May 4. Israel responded by heavily bombing Sanaa airport and Hodeidah. Al-Basha noted there are fears that a 'single successful strike' by the Houthis on Ben Gurion or other critical Israeli infrastructure could 'change the strategic balance' in the group's favor. He noted the Houthis have 'already demonstrated determination and persistence' in targeting Israeli infrastructure. Furthermore, while Houthi threats to impose an aerial blockade over Tel Aviv were largely dismissed before May 4, that's certainly no longer the case. 'In May, about a quarter of international airlines canceled their flights to and from Ben Gurion due to the security risks,' Al-Basha said. 'That number may increase, especially after video footage showed a missile interception occurring dangerously close to a departing commercial airliner.' 'The conflict is entering a more volatile and unpredictable phase, and both Israel and the Houthis appear ready to escalate further if provoked.'
Nahar Net
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Israel strikes Yemen's Houthi-held Hodeida port
by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 June 2025, 11:52 The Israeli navy attacked docks in Yemen's rebel-held port city of Hodeida on Tuesday, likely damaging facilities that are key to aid shipments to the hungry, war-wracked nation. The Israeli military said navy missile ships conducted the strikes, the first time its forces have been involved in attacks against the Houthi rebels. Tuesday's attack comes as the Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones targeting Israel during its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of the Houthis' media office, wrote on the social platform X that the attack targeted docks in Hodeida. He claimed the attack had no significant impact on the group's operations. "It has no effect even on the morale of our people, who take to the streets weekly ... in support of Gaza," he said. Late Monday, Israel issued online warnings to Yemenis to evacuate from Ras Isa, Hodeida and al-Salif ports over the Houthis' alleged use of seaports for attacks. "The port is used to transfer weapons and is a further example of the Houthi terrorist regime's cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure in order to advance terrorist activities," the Israeli military said in a statement Tuesday. Hodeida also is the main entry point for food and other humanitarian aid for millions of Yemenis since the war began when the Houthis seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned his country's "long arm in the air and at sea will reach everywhere." "We warned the Houthi terror organization that if they continue to fire at Israel they will face a powerful response and enter a naval and air blockade," he said. Already, Israel has destroyed all the aircraft used by Yemen's state carrier, Yemenia, in strikes on Sanaa International Airport. The Houthis have been launching persistent missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the group's leadership has described as an effort to end Israel's offensive in Gaza. From November 2023 until January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. That has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually. The Houthis paused attacks in a self-imposed ceasefire until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March. President Donald Trump paused those attacks just before his trip to the Mideast, saying the rebels had "capitulated" to American demands. Early Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on X that U.S. Navy ships had traveled through the Red Sea and its Bab el-Mandeb Strait "multiple times in recent days" without facing Houthi attacks. "These transits occurred without challenge and demonstrate the success of both Operation ROUGH RIDER and the President's Peace Through Strength agenda," Hegseth wrote ahead of facing Congress for the first time since sharing sensitive military details of America's military campaign against the Houthis in a Signal chat. It's unclear how the Houthis will respond now that an attack has come from the sea, rather than the air, from the Israelis. Meanwhile, a wider, decadelong war in Yemen between the Houthis and the country's exiled government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, remains in a stalemate.
Al Manar
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Hodeidah Port in Yemen
The Israeli occupation military launched airstrikes on Tuesday targeting Hodeidah Port, a key coastal facility in western Yemen. This marks the first time Israeli naval forces have engaged in attacks on Yemeni ports, as reported by Israeli media, distinguishing this operation from previous strikes in the region. Following the strikes, the Israeli occupation military confirmed that missile boats from the Israeli Navy were responsible for the bombardment of the Hodeidah docks. Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Sanaa, stating, 'If they continue to shoot at 'Israel', they will face a powerful response and be under a naval and aerial blockade.' Katz emphasized Israel's commitment to maintaining pressure, stating, 'This is what we did today, and we will continue to do so in the future.' The recent escalation comes on the heels of airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport on May 28, which occurred shortly after the airport resumed operations with flights to and from Amman, Jordan. Despite Israeli raids, Yemeni armed forces continue to carry out operations deep inside 'Israel' in support of Gaza and its resistance. They target Ben Gurion Airport and vital Israeli sites, amidst assurances that targeting 'Israel' will continue as long as the aggression against Gaza continues.
First Post
02-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Israel Destroys Houthis' "Last Plane" in Strike on Yemen's Sanaa Airport Firstpost America
Israel Destroys Houthis' "Last Plane" in Strike on Yemen's Sanaa Airport | Firstpost America | N18G Israel Destroys Houthis' "Last Plane" in Strike on Yemen's Sanaa Airport | Firstpost America | N18G Israel has launched a powerful airstrike on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport, destroying the last remaining civilian plane operated by Yemenia Airways. The attack came in response to two ballistic missiles fired by the Houthi group toward Israel. The plane, scheduled to transport Hajj pilgrims, was the only one left after earlier Israeli strikes destroyed three others. Israeli officials stated the attack was a warning and part of a broader campaign to deter future aggression. Prime Minister Netanyahu blamed Iran for backing the Houthis, calling them a mere 'symptom.' With no civilian aircraft left and tensions rising, the conflict between Israel and the Houthis shows no signs of slowing down. See More
Sinar Daily
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Israeli strikes destroy last plane at Yemen's Sanaa airport
The plane was about to be boarded by Muslim pilgrims bound for the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 30 May 2025 10:45am A destroyed airplane lies on the tarmac at Sanaa International Airport on May 29, 2025, in the aftermath of an Israeli military strike. Israeli air strikes blew up the last remaining plane at Yemen's international airport, Israel and a Yemeni official said on May 28, 2025. - (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP) SANAA - Israeli air strikes blew up the last remaining plane at rebel-held Yemen's international airport, Israel and a Yemeni official said on Wednesday, weeks after an earlier attack inflicted major damage. An air raid involving multiple strikes hit the Yemenia Airways plane and the runway at Sanaa airport, the Huthi rebels' Al-Masirah TV channel posted on X, decrying "Israeli aggression". Thick black smoke was seen billowing from a stricken plane on the tarmac, in a video posted on X by Sanaa airport director Khaled al-Shaief who said it was Yemenia's last operational aircraft. The airport had only resumed limited commercial services on May 17, according to Huthi authorities, after it was closed by a heavy Israeli attack that destroyed six planes 11 days earlier. The Huthis, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians, have been firing on Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, prompting reprisal strikes from Israel as well as the United States and Britain. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said fighter jets targeted Huthi "terror targets" at the airport, a day after the group fired two projectiles at Israel. "Air Force jets have just struck terror targets of the Huthi terrorist organisation at the airport in Sanaa and destroyed the last aircraft remaining," he said in a statement. An Israeli military statement said aircraft there "were used by the Huthi terrorist organisation for the transfer of terrorists who advanced terrorist attacks against the state of Israel". According to a statement from Yemenia, the plane was about to be boarded by Muslim pilgrims bound for the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Destroyed airplanes lie on the tarmac at Sanaa International Airport on May 29, 2025, in the aftermath of an Israeli military strike. Israeli air strikes blew up the last remaining plane at Yemen's international airport, Israel and a Yemeni official said on May 28, 2025. - (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP) - 'Fragile situation' - The Huthis began their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in November 2023, weeks after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, prompting British and US military strikes beginning in January 2024. Earlier this month, the United States agreed a ceasefire with the Huthis, ending weeks of intense American strikes on rebel-held areas. However, the Huthis have continued to fire frequent projectiles at Israel, including strikes targeting Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. Earlier this month, Israel threatened to target the Huthi leadership. United Nations special envoy Hans Grundberg warned in a statement that clashes between the Huthis and Israel are "exacerbating an already very fragile situation for Yemen and the region". The Huthis had earlier paused their attacks during a two-month ceasefire in Gaza that collapsed in March. The rebels have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015 in a conflict that has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and triggered a major humanitarian crisis in Yemen, although fighting has decreased significantly since a UN-negotiated six-month truce in 2022. That year the airport, closed for six years during the war, reopened to commercial flights and has offered services to and from Amman in Jordan. - AFP
