SANAA ( The COW News Digital) Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply as Israel carried out a series of deadly airstrikes on Yemen’s coastal city of Hodeidah late last night, triggering fears of a wider regional conflict.
According to Arab media reports, Israeli fighter jets launched 12 airstrikes on Hodeidah’s port area, targeting three key docks that had only recently been restored after previous attacks. The strikes, which lasted for nearly 10 minutes, caused massive fires and significant damage to port infrastructure.
The Israeli military claimed the operation was a direct response to Houthi military activities, alleging that Hodeidah port had become a hub for Iranian arms shipments to the Houthis. Israeli officials stated that advance warnings had been issued to evacuate the port and anchored vessels before the bombardment.
In immediate retaliation, Houthi forces fired ballistic missiles at Israel, setting off air raid sirens across multiple Israeli cities. Residents reported panic as warning sirens echoed, forcing civilians to rush to shelters. While no major casualties have been reported in Israel so far, authorities remain on high alert for further attacks.
A spokesperson for the Houthis declared that their forces would “continue to retaliate for every act of Israeli aggression” and vowed to defend Yemeni territory at all costs. The group also accused Israel of escalating the conflict and destabilizing the region.
Military analysts warn that the latest exchange of attacks could push the region closer to a full-scale confrontation, drawing in more regional players and increasing the risk of a broader war.
The renewed violence comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to contain regional tensions are already under strain due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. International observers are urging restraint, calling on both sides to avoid actions that could further destabilize the Red Sea shipping lanes and threaten global trade routes.
With both sides signaling readiness for continued confrontation, the situation in the region remains volatile and unpredictable.
