israeli air force (IAF) is striking Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.
The IDF said in a statement that its air force struck Houthi positions in Yemen, about 1,800 kilometers from Israel.
The Israeli military described “a comprehensive, intelligence-based air campaign” involving dozens of IAF aircraft, including fighter jets, mid-air refueling aircraft and intelligence aircraft, which “hit Houthi militants in the Ras Isa and Hudaydah areas.” Attacked military targets belonging to the regime.” Yemen.”
The IDF said the targets included a power plant and a port used to import oil, “which was used Houthi terrorist regime “Moving Iranian weapons to 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)
“For the past year, the Houthis have been acting under the direction and funding of Iran and in collaboration with Iraqi militias to attack the State of Israel, undermine regional stability, and disrupt global freedom of navigation,” the IDF said. “The IDF is determined to continue to act against all threats to the citizens of the State of Israel – near or far – at any distance.”
The campaign against the Houthis in Yemen comes as tensions already rise in the region following the killing of a Hezbollah leader in an Israeli strike outside Beirut, Lebanon. Hassan Nasrallah.
Houthi leader Adul Malik al-Houthi has vowed to avenge Nasrallah’s killing, according to the international Israeli news agency Tazapit Press Service (TPS).
“We will move towards increasing and developing our military performance,” al-Houthi reportedly said.
As the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war approaches, the Houthis continue ship targeting campaign Their position in Yemen was strengthened by US-led air strikes earlier this month while traveling through the Red Sea. It’s a waterway through which $1 trillion in trade typically passes, according to the Associated Press, as well as vital shipments of aid to war-torn Sudan and Yemen.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is reportedly in hiding in his country, also warned of possible retaliation from Iran and its terrorist proxies in response to Nasrallah’s killing.
Supporters of the Houthi movement during a rally held in Sanaa, Yemen, on September 27, 2024. (Abdallah Adel/AFP via Getty Images)
White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that Hezbollah’s command structure has been “virtually destroyed” after Israel destroyed thousands of the terrorist group’s missiles and drones over the past few days. However, on Sunday Israeli air defense reported shooting down two drones coming from Lebanon.
TPS reported that the two unmanned aircraft “entered Israeli waters from Lebanese territory and were intercepted by a missile and an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) combat helicopter.”
In a statement Saturday, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “stressed that the United States Determined to stop Iran “And prevent Iran-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or escalating the conflict.”
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,Secretary Austin made It is clear that if Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target U.S. personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to protect our people,” Ryder said. , ”The United States retains the ability to deploy. Emphasis on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation.”
Yemeni university staff and students burn the Israeli flag in protest against Israel’s attacks on Lebanon in Sanaa, Yemen, on September 25, 2024. (Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)
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He said Austin “has directed that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will remain in the US CENTCOM theater and the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) will continue to operate in the eastern Mediterranean.” Ryder said, “The float posture is complemented by the presence of DoD’s advanced fighter and strike squadrons, including F-22, F-15E, F-16 and A-10 aircraft, and we further enhance our defensive air-support capabilities.” Will strengthen.” In the coming days.”
Fox News’s Yael Rotem-Kuriel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
