Israel strikes Houthi ports in Yemen after ship assault in Purple Sea

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Israel exchanged missile hearth with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Monday, focusing on the group's ports and different amenities.

Israel's initial strikes got here in response to a suspected Houthi assault on a Liberian-flagged ship within the Purple Sea. The vessel was focused with explosives and small arms hearth, inflicting it to tackle water and forcing the crew to desert ship. The Houthis haven't but claimed accountability for the assault. Israel's navy issued a warning previous to its assault, which focused ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa and Salif.

"These ports are utilized by the Houthi terrorist regime to switch weapons from the Iranian regime, that are employed to hold out terrorist operations in opposition to the state of Israel and its allies," the Israeli navy mentioned.

The Houthis responded in sort when Israeli missiles began falling, however Israel reported no casualties from the assault.

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The Israeli assault additionally focused the Galaxy Chief, a vessel seized by the Houthis in 2023. The IDF mentioned the ship had been "fitted with a radar system to trace worldwide vessels for terror operations."

Israeli Protection Minister Israel Katz threatened additional strikes if Houthi aggression continues within the Purple Sea or elsewhere.

"What’s true for Iran is true for Yemen," Katz mentioned in a press release. "Anybody who raises a hand in opposition to Israel may have it lower off. The Houthis will proceed to pay a heavy worth for his or her actions."

In the meantime, Houthi navy spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree mentioned the group is "totally ready for a sustained and extended confrontation" and plans to take care of its "naval blockade."

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Israel's air protection targets Iranian missiles within the sky of Tel Aviv in Israel, on June 16, 2025. (MATAN GOLAN/Center East Photographs/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

U.S. Military Gen. Michael Kurilla instructed lawmakers within the Home Armed Providers Committee final month that Iran is the primary motive the Houthis stay a risk, including the terrorist community "would die on the vine with out Iranian support."

Information of Monday's change comes simply hours earlier than President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to satisfy on the White Home.

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The 2 leaders are anticipated to debate the way forward for Gaza, with Israel insisting Hamas have to be faraway from the area utterly.

The Related Press contributed to this report

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox Information Digital protecting nationwide politics and main breaking information occasions. Ship tricks to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.