Israeli jets struck Yemen’s Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah on September 16, shortly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned civilians and vessels to evacuate, Reuters reports.
At the time of the warning, tracking data showed three merchant ships at anchor — two bulk carriers and one general cargo vessel. The last of the three stopped broadcasting AIS about 1.5 hours after the IDF warning.
The IDF said the port was being used to transfer Iranian weapons for attacks on Israel and its allies. The UKMTO warned of a high risk of collateral damage to ships in the southern Red Sea.
According to Reuters, the strikes lasted about 10 minutes and damaged docks, likely putting them out of service for weeks. Houthi media reported 12 raids and claimed their air defences disrupted Israeli aircraft.
The attack followed repeated Houthi drone and missile launches, including one that hit Eilat airport and injured a civilian. Hours later, the Houthis said they fired a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, which Israeli media reported was intercepted.
UKMTO continues to urge ships to exercise caution near Red Sea ports targeted by air strikes.
