The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen early Thursday in response to a missile attack launched at Israel by the Iran-backed militant group.

The IDF confirmed that Israeli jets flew approximately 2,000 kilometers to conduct the operation, deploying over 60 bombs on key Houthi infrastructure. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV said the airstrikes hit the Heyzaz and Dhahban power stations near Sanaa, as well as the Ras Isa oil facility and the port of Hodeidah in Yemen’s western Hodeidah province.

Oil Tanks at the Port of Ras Isa in Western Yemen Exploding after Israeli strikes. pic.twitter.com/JNtStEoACG

— Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) September 29, 2024

Yemen 🚨

Video from #Hodeidah port this morning shows the damage from Israeli airstrikes against the port’s tugboat fleet which caused at least 4 casualties. These strikes were in retaliation for recent #Houthi #missile and #drone attacks on #Israel. pic.twitter.com/hZr6tQ5BKh

— Martin Kelly (@_MartinKelly_) December 19, 2024

Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, reported that nine people were killed and three injured in the strikes. 

The recent airstrikes follow a missile attack on Israel, which prompted air raid sirens across central Israel, including the Tel Aviv area. The IDF initially stated the missile had been intercepted, but later clarified that the school building in Ramat Gan was likely struck by the missile’s warhead following a partial interception. 

The collapse caused an estimated $11 million in damages, according to Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen, who confirmed that the Ramat Ef’al elementary school would be rebuilt.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their missile strikes targeted military sites in the Tel Aviv region. The Houthis control much of Yemen and have launched repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel in recent months in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

“This morning, the Air Force attacked strategic targets of the Houthis in the port of Hodeidah and deep into Yemen.

We did this in response to repeated Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Israel. Last night they attacked a school in Ramat Gan. pic.twitter.com/plvCquKoS6

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 19, 2024

The United States has also struck Houthi targets in Yemen multiple times in recent months to counter attacks on international maritime routes.