Houthis respond to Israel’s ‘Black Flag’ operation with missile and UAV attacks

The Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) in Yemen announced that it has launched a series of “precision” missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks in response to Israel’s intensive overnight airstrikes across the country, codenamed “Operation Black Flag.”

A statement released by the Houthis declared, “In response to these attacks and as part of our support for the oppressed Palestinian people, the Missile Force and Air Force carried out a joint military operation using a total of 11 missiles and UAVs.”

The statement specified that ballistic missiles targeted Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, the Port of Ashdod, and a power plant in Ashkelon, while the Port of Eilat was struck by eight UAVs.

The Houthis also reported that they engaged Israeli warplanes with domestically produced air defense systems, “forcing some enemy warplanes to withdraw from Yemeni airspace before they could carry out their attacks.”

Following the Israeli strikes, the Houthis announced early in the morning that they had entered a state of “the highest level of military readiness.” The announcement included the following remarks:

“The Yemeni Armed Forces assure our people and the free people of our nation: We are fully prepared to confront the aggressors with all our might. These attacks will neither intimidate us nor weaken our military capabilities. Our support operations for Gaza and Palestine will continue at full speed, and we will protect our country and our people, with God’s permission.”

Approximately two hours later, the Israeli military claimed that two ballistic missiles had been launched from Yemen. It was reported that an interception attempt was made and the results are still “under review.” So far, there has been no official statement regarding casualties or damage. Israel did not acknowledge any other claims regarding missiles or UAVs.

Israel launches ‘Operation Black Flag’

Shortly before the attacks, Israeli jets issued evacuation warnings for Yemen’s Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif ports, as well as the Hodeidah power plant. Subsequently, the Israeli military announced that it had carried out attacks on these areas, with 20 fighter jets dropping more than 50 bombs.

The Israeli government stated that the attack marked the beginning of a new military operation against Yemen, which it has named “Operation Black Flag.”

Israel also announced that it had targeted the vessel Galaxy Leader, which was seized by the Houthis in November 2023. The Israeli military alleged that the Houthis had installed a radar system on the ship to monitor maritime traffic in the region, using it for the “activities of the terrorist Houthi regime.”

Attack on a ship in the Red Sea

Hours before the strikes, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned merchant vessel named Magic Seas was attacked in the Red Sea. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Although Yemen has not conducted attacks affecting international shipping in recent months, it has intensified its ballistic missile strikes against Israel.

The Tel Aviv administration had hardened its rhetoric toward Yemen in recent weeks. Following the downing of a missile launched from Yemen by Israel on July 1, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “Yemen will now be treated like Tehran. Whoever raises a hand against Israel, that hand will be cut off.”