Israel has launched airstrikes on power plants, a port and oil facilities in Yemen, marking an escalation in the conflict with Houthi militants, local media reported on Thursday.
The Israeli military announced that the strikes targeted “military facilities” linked to Houthi militants after intercepting a rocket launched towards Israel, Al Jazeera reported.
Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-backed channel, said the strikes hit two power plants in Yemen’s capital Sanaa and damaged an oil facility and the port of Hodeidah.
According to Al Arabiya, seven people were killed in a strike on Salif port, while two others were killed in two strikes on the Ras Issa oil facility. Both facilities are located in the western province of Hodeidah. In addition, two central power plants south and north of Sana’a were hit.
Israeli authorities have not yet provided details on the specific targets of the operation. US Central Command later confirmed the strikes in Yemen, saying the attack reflects the states’ commitment to protecting US and coalition personnel, regional partners and international shipping.
