The IDF released footage today (Sunday) showing IDF airplanes lifting off and refueling en route to striking Houthi strategic targets in Yemen in retaliation for missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.
Watch (Source: IDF Spokesperson):
The Iran-backed Houthi militia, which controls key ports and population centers in Yemen, has been blockading the international shipping lane via the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal since the war began, threatening to sink any vessel even remotely related to Israel.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies formed a naval coalition to try and stop these attacks, which led the Houthis to attack ships affiliated with these countries, as well.
While the US-led coalition started out with a defensive posture, solely shooting down missiles and drones fired at its ships or merchant vessels, they have slowly become more aggressive, launching ever more intense strikes on Houthi weapons and weapons storage facilities and other installations crucial for the Houthi armaments.
For several months, Israel also maintained a defensive posture towards the Houthis, despite the launching of hundreds of drones and multiple long-range ballistic missiles at Israeli territory, with the hope that the US-led coalition would lead to an end to the attacks.
However, following the success of a number of Houthi attacks on Israeli territory, Israel changed tack and has launched at least four major strikes on Houthi-held territory in Yemen, paralyzing the ports of Houdeidah and Ras Isa, as well as the international airport in the capital city of Sana'a.
The Israeli Air Force Commander warned that Israel has more capabilities it has not yet used. Prime Minister Netanyahu, meantime, has asked Israeli citizens to be "patient" in dealing with the Houthis, reminding them that it took time to significantly weaken both Hamas and Hezbollah, and that the same would ultimately happen in Yemen.
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