Barran Press
Fires continue to blaze in parts of the Hodeidah port, two days after an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, according to sources in the Yemeni governorate. The fire, which ignited after the airstrike targeted fuel tanks and a power plant on the port's pier, controlled by the Houthis, has raised concerns about its potential spread to food storage facilities.
Firefighters are battling the massive blaze, but have yet to make significant progress. The flames and thick black smoke have been visible for three consecutive days since the Saturday airstrike.
A correspondent for the French Press Agency in Hodeidah reported that the fire is spreading in some parts of the port, raising fears that it could reach food storage facilities.
High-resolution satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies show the flames engulfing the heavily damaged fuel storage area in the port.
On Saturday evening, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on the Hodeidah port, targeting fuel tanks, a power plant, and other facilities. The attack was a retaliation for recent Houthi attacks.
According to Houthi statistics, the Israeli airstrike killed six civilians and injured 80 others. Many consider this to be the first attack of its kind since the Houthis engaged in military operations against Israel in support of Gaza on November 21, 2023.
Israel later claimed responsibility for the airstrikes. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that "our warplanes carried out strikes against Houthi regime targets in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen." He added that the strikes were "in response to Houthi attacks over the past months."
Last Friday, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority announced the death of one Israeli and injuries to 10 others following the crash of a drone in Tel Aviv. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as "the first of its kind."