Multiple fatalities have been reported following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s port infrastructure and oil storage facilities in the ports of Ras Isa and Hodeidah.
According to reports by Houthi-controlled media, the attacks killed at least nine people, seven in the port of Salif and two in the Ras Issa oil facility, with several injuries also reported.
Israel said it had attacked military targets belonging to Houthi fighters in the western coastal strip and deep inside Yemen on Thursday morning after its forces intercepted a missile fired by the group towards Israel hours earlier.
The Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past year and targeted more than 120 vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in their campaign in solidarity with Palestinians.
Tugboats used to bring ships into ports were struck in the attack. UK maritime security consultancy Ambrey said it had received reports of several deaths on three tugboats that were “heavily damaged”.
Ambrey said it observed eight merchant vessels in Hodeidah port and 22 merchant vessels in Ras Isa port when the incident took place. No damage to these ships had been reported.