Israeli fighter jets bombed sites in Yemen affiliated with the Iran-backed Houthi militia on Saturday in retaliation for a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv a day earlier, according to four U.S. officials and two regional officials. It was the first time Israel has publicly attacked the group in months of escalating tensions.
The Israeli airstrikes targeted gas and oil depots and a power station in the area of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, the two regional sources said. The port is controlled by the Houthis and is the site of oil export facilities, but it is also a vital conduit for civilian goods and humanitarian aid to impoverished Yemen.
There was no immediate comment by the Israeli military.
On Friday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a long-range drone that hit the coastal city of Tel Aviv, killing one Israeli and wounding several others.
The Houthis, a Yemeni militia, are supported by Iran, Israel’s regional foe. Its fighters have lobbed hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel in what they call a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. They have also menaced numerous commercial ships passing through the Red Sea for months now in an effort to blockade the Israeli port of Eilat.
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