Aggressive Israel-US Airstrikes on Houthi Positions in Yemen
Recapping Recent Events
- Israeli Reprisal: Israel retaliated, launching a series of airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on May 5, 2025. Over 20 fighter jets were reportedly involved, and this marked the sixth such Israeli strike on the Houthis since July 2024 [1][2].
- Coordinated Effort: The US collaborated with Israel during this operation, although no joint operation occurred. Earlier in the same day, the US also conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa [1][2].
- Targeted Areas: The Hodeidah seaport, a significant source of income for the Houthi regime and a conduit for Iranian weapons, as well as a cement factory in Bajil, used for military infrastructure construction, were the primary targets [2].
Reactions to the Attacks
- Houthi State: Following these attacks, US President Donald Trump claimed the Houthis agreed to halt their assaults, including those on international shipping. In response, the US would stop bombing Houthi targets [4].
- International Unity: The attacks were a part of a broader international initiative to constrain Houthi capabilities. The US had led a significant campaign, Operation Rough Rider, in March 2025, with assistance from other countries [3].
Consequences of the Intervention
- Recurrence and Truces: The Houthi attacks on Israel had momentarily ceased during a Gaza-Israel truce in January 2025 but recommenced after Israel halted aid to Gaza. Tensions heightened even further when the Houthis resumed missile attacks on Israel [1][3].
- Military Implications: The coordinated Israel-US strikes aim to debilitate Houthi military infrastructure, thus reducing their capacity to execute cross-border attacks and threaten global maritime trade in the Red Sea [2].
- Regional Stability: The attacks reflect growing international pressure on the Houthis due to their ongoing violence and links to Iran. The goal is to restore stability and thwart further militant activities within the region [3].
Yemen's Airport Under Israel's Missile Attack - Airstrikes carried out by Israel following the airport bombing in Yemen.
[1] Associated Press. (2025, May 6). Israel claims scores of strikes in Yemen after airport attack. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-claims-scores-strikes-yemen-airport-attack-78453247
[2] Reuters. (2025, May 6). Israel strikes cement factory in Yemen, Houthi officials say 2 killed. AP NEWS. https://apnews.com/article/a796d1b5b4c3509a1dab6bb19f2b0c2f
[3] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, March 6). US, allies launch campaign to disrupt Houthi capabilities in Yemen. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-allies-launch-campaign-to-disrupt-houthi-capabilities-in-yemen-11614999005
[4] CNN. (2025, May 7). Trump: Houthis agree to halt attacks following Yemen airstrike. CNN Politics. https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/07/politics/trump-houthis-halt-attacks/index.html
- The Commission, in the midst of war-and-conflicts' global scrutiny, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the potential dangers associated with the increased military activities, such as those observed in Yemen.
- Meanwhile, in a regional news development unrelated to the escalating tensions in Yemen, eyewitnesses reported an Aviv city street filled with protesters rallying against political decisions, adding to the ongoing discord in the city.
- In a war-and-conflicts update, analysts are emphasizing the importance of monitoring potential repercussions that the coordinated Israel-US strikes on Houthi positions in Hodeidah and Bajil may have on the region's political landscape, given that Iran has been reported to supply weapons to the Houthis.
- With the ongoing conflict in Yemen disrupting international shipping lanes and threatening global maritime trade, discussions are taking place among world leaders about implementing measures to ensure the safety of maritime infrastructure vulnerable to attacks from the Houthis or their allies, much like the cement factory in Bajil.
