Israeli forces struck the strategic port of Hodeidah in Yemen on September 16, 2025, following evacuation warnings earlier that day. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they targeted sites used by the Houthi regime accusing them of using the port to receive weapons from Iran for use in attacks against Israel and its allies.

Residents were urged to leave the area ahead of the attack. IDF spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee posted on X that staying nearby would “put their life in danger.” The Houthis responded by activating their air defense systems. They claimed that confusion among Israeli pilots forced some aircraft to abort missions or retreat from Yemeni airspace. 

According to Houthi-run health authorities, the strikes killed 46 people, including children and women, and injured over 160 others. Civilian infrastructure near the port and in other hit zones reportedly suffered damage.

This strike adds to a series of recent Israeli operations in Yemen, including attacks on Sanaa and al-Jawf. Analysts warn such moves risk escalating the wider regional conflict, especially given the humanitarian and diplomatic fallout already associated with previous strikes.