The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday, announced that Israeli fighters jets struck Houthi targets in Yemen after the rebel group carried out repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel, The Times of Israel reported. IDF on X said, “IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen.”
What Did IDF Say?
It added that over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in order to attack the State of Israel and Israeli civilians.
The IDF further said that the conducted strikes degrade the Houthi terrorist regime, preventing it from exploiting the targets for military and terrorist purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons to the region.
The IDF asserted that it is determined to continue operating against all threats posed to the citizens of the State of Israel, wherever necessary.
Following the overnight Israeli strikes in Yemen, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a warning to Houthi leaders, The Times of Israel reported.
He said, “The long arm of Israel will reach you.” Katz said, “Whoever lifts a hand will have it severed. Whoever strikes [us], will be struck many times over.”
⭕️ IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 19, 2024
Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in… pic.twitter.com/hYNRstbhxP
Meanwhile, IDF chief spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that “ports and energy infrastructure” were among the targets hit in the “precise strikes” in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa that the Houthis used for “their military actions,” according to The Times of Israel report.
In an English-language video statement, Hagari said, “With their attacks on international shipping vessels and routes in the Red Sea and other places, the Houthis have become a global threat. Who is behind the Houthis? Iran,” while vowing the military “will act against anyone in the Middle East” who threatens Israel.
Earlier, the IDF said that the air defences shot down the missile fired from Yemen, which it said never entered Israeli airspace, the report said. The Israeli military said that the sirens were triggered due to concerns that falling shrapnel from the interception could cause injuries.
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