The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is conducting airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.
The IDF said in a statement that its air force struck a Houthi target in Yemen, about 1,800 kilometers from Israel.
The Israeli military said the attack involved dozens of IAF aircraft, including fighter jets, tanker planes, and intelligence aircraft, attacking “military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime in Israel's Ras Isa and Hodeidah areas.” He said he had carried out a large-scale intelligence-based air operation. Yemen. ”
The IDF said targets include power plants and ports used for oil imports, which are “used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer Iranian weapons into the region, in addition to military supplies and oil.” ''
The IDF said the operation was carried out in response to recent attacks against Israel by the Houthis.
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An Israeli F-15 Eagle fighter jet flies over the northern city of Haifa on September 26, 2024. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)
“Over the past year, the Houthis have been working with Iraqi militias, under direction and funding from Iran, to attack the State of Israel, undermine regional stability, and disrupt global freedom of navigation.” said the IDF. “The Israel Defense Forces are determined to continue operating at any distance, near or far, against any threat to the Israeli people.”
The operation against the Houthis in Yemen comes amid already heightened tensions in the region after an Israeli airstrike killed a Hezbollah leader on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon. Hassan Nasrallah.
According to Israel's international news agency Tazpit News Agency (TPS), Houthi leader Ad al-Malik al-Houthi has vowed revenge for Nasrallah's killing.
“We will move towards escalation and the development of military performance,” al-Houthi reportedly said.
As the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war approaches, the Houthis continue to target ships in the Red Sea as their positions in Yemen come under pressure from US-led airstrikes earlier this month. That puts at risk not only the waterway through which $1 trillion in trade typically passes, but also critical aid shipments to war-torn Sudan and Yemen, according to the Associated Press.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who is reportedly in hiding in the country, also warned of possible retaliation by Iran and its terrorist proxies for the killing of Nasrallah.
Supporters of the Houthi movement attend a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, September 27, 2024. (Abdallah Adel/AFP via Getty Images)
White House National Security Press Secretary John Kirby told ABC's “This Week” on Sunday that Hezbollah's command has been criticized after Israel destroyed thousands of the terrorist group's missiles and drones in recent days. He said the system was “nearly wiped out.” But on Sunday, Israeli air defenses reported that they had shot down two drones that had come from Lebanon.
TPS reported that the two unmanned aircraft “entered Israeli territorial waters from Lebanese territory and were intercepted by missiles and IDF (Israel Defense Forces) combat helicopters.”
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement Saturday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “The United States will prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or escalating the conflict. “I emphasized that I am determined.” ”
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“Secretary Austin has made clear that if Iran, its partners, or their proxies seize this opportunity to target American persons or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary steps to protect our people.” added Ryder. “The United States retains the ability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain significant capabilities in the region and dynamically adjust force posture based on the evolving security situation.”
Yemeni university staff and students burn an Israeli flag during a protest against Israel's attack on Lebanon in Sanaa, Yemen, September 25, 2024. (Mohammed Hammoud/Getty Images)
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He said Austin “directed that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) remain in the U.S. Centcom Theater and that the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) remain active in the Eastern Mediterranean.” said. “The maritime posture is complemented by the expansion of the Department of Defense's fighter and attack squadrons, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we are further expanding our defense air support capabilities,” Ryder said. We will strengthen it.” The days ahead. ”
FOX News' Yael Rotem-Kriel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
