Israeli military forces have initiated airstrikes targeting ports and facilities controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, leading to retaliatory missile fire directed at Israel. The strikes occurred on Monday, with missiles and drone boats reportedly setting a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas, ablaze in the Red Sea. This incident raises concerns about a potential uptick in Houthi attacks on shipping, reminiscent of past US and Western interventions.
The attack on the Magic Seas occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict complicates matters. As Iranian negotiations regarding its nuclear programme loom, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is en route to Washington to confer with US President Donald Trump.
Israeli forces have specifically targeted Houthi-held ports, including those at Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, claiming that these sites are instrumental in the transfer of weapons from Iran for use against Israel. The military also targeted the Galaxy Leader, a vessel captained by an Israeli billionaire, which was commandeered by the Houthis in November 2023. According to the Israeli military, the ship had been equipped with radar technology for tracking maritime vessels, aiding the Houthis in their operations.
The Houthis acknowledged the Israeli strikes but did not provide information on any damage incurred. Their military spokesman claimed successful defence against the Israeli air operations, although this remains unverified.
The recent attacks coincide with a precarious phase in the Israel-Hamas war, with Israel continuing to advance its military objectives while Houthi forces retaliate with missile strikes on Israeli territory. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned of further military action against the Houthis, asserting that those threatening Israel will face consequences.
On the operational front, the Magic Seas was attacked while navigating towards Egypt’s Suez Canal, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Hodeida. Armed security personnel aboard the vessel engaged in return fire against an initial onslaught of gunfire and missiles, but the ship ultimately sustained significant damage from drone boats launched by the Houthis. As a result, the crew evacuated the vessel and were later rescued by another ship.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 missile and drone strikes against commercial and military vessels, substantially disrupting maritime trade through the Red Sea, a vital corridor for global commerce. Although there was a lull in Houthi attacks following US military actions in March, missile assaults on Israel have continued intermittently.
As tensions simmer and military operations escalate, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, raising the spectre of further conflict in the region.