According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter-bombers took part in the attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen. Thanks to a series of images and videos, it was also confirmed that Israel’s attack aircraft used Rampage and Popeye missiles during the recent air raid.
The Israeli Air Force operation consisted of F-15D Baz and F-16I Sufa fighter-bombers armed with long-range missiles, supported by refueling aircraft and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets. This strike package, operating about 2,000 kilometers from Israel, targeted objectives in the port of Hodeida—previously struck by Israeli aviation—and, for the first time, the rebel-controlled capital, Sana’a.
One of the goals of this new air offensive was to deny the Houthis the capabilities provided by Yemen’s three main ports, which Iran-backed forces use to smuggle weapons. For this reason, the tugboats used to guide ships into the ports were hit by Popeye and Rampage missiles launched by IAF fighter-bombers, as well as power plants.
The IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed after the strikes that the targets were “ports and energy infrastructure,” facilities used by the Houthis for “their military actions.” These actions include not only repeated attacks against Israeli territory but also offensives against merchant ships in the Red Sea waters.
“With their attacks on ships and international transportation routes in the Red Sea and elsewhere, the Houthis have become a global threat. Who is behind the Houthis? Iran… the IDF will act against anyone in the Middle East who threatens Israel,” the IDF spokesperson emphasized.
Thanks to the images and videos shared by Israeli forces, it was evident that F-15D fighter-bombers from the 106th Squadron “Spearhead” and F-16I aircraft from the 201st Squadron “The One” were armed with long-range air-to-surface Rampage and Popeye missiles. According to the IAF, at least 14 aircraft participated in the strikes, which were carried out in two waves.
The Times of Israel reported that the first wave of attacks occurred at 3:15 a.m., striking Yemen’s coastline, including the ports of Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif. “Eight tugboats used to guide ships into the ports were also destroyed in the attacks.” A second wave of airstrikes at 4:30 a.m. targeted two power plants in Sana’a.
Cover image: Israeli Air Force.
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