An Israeli airstrike on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Hodeidah Port has resulted in damage estimated at more than $20 million, according to a senior port official, adding further strain to an already heavily affected critical maritime facility.
The attack occurred on July 20 and targeted the key Red Sea port, which is under the control of Yemen’s Houthi movement. The strike triggered large-scale fires that continued for several days and severely damaged fuel storage infrastructure, significantly reducing the port’s operational capacity.
The escalation followed a Houthi drone strike on July 19 that hit Tel Aviv, killing an Israeli civilian. In response, Israel launched a large-scale retaliatory operation, marking what officials described as the first direct Israeli military strike on Yemeni territory since the conflict involving the Houthis intensified.
According to Nasr al-Nusairi, vice president of the Yemen Red Sea Ports Corporation, early assessments show extensive physical destruction. Two major container cranes were destroyed, a small vessel was burned, and multiple administrative and operational buildings were set on fire. Additional damage was also reported to sections of the docks, further complicating cargo handling and logistics.
Nusairi estimated the port infrastructure losses at over $20 million, though he noted that this figure does not include the destruction of fuel storage facilities, which fall under the jurisdiction of Yemen’s oil ministry and are expected to add significantly to the overall economic impact.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that the strike was aimed at weakening Houthi logistical and military capabilities. Israeli officials claimed the targeted port infrastructure, including cranes and fuel facilities, was being used to facilitate the import and transfer of Iranian-supplied weapons to the group.
Despite the damage, Houthi authorities reported that port operations resumed within days of the strike. Cargo vessels reportedly returned to dock, and limited unloading activities restarted using remaining functional equipment. This suggests that while heavily damaged, the port has not been fully disabled.
The Houthis have intensified maritime attacks since November, stating that their operations are carried out in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began after the October 7 assault on Israel.
In response to Houthi actions, the United States and the United Kingdom have previously conducted strikes on targets in Yemen. However, the July 20 operation represents a notable escalation, as it is the first confirmed Israeli strike directly targeting Houthi-controlled infrastructure in Yemen, widening the regional scope of the conflict and increasing concerns about further escalation in the Red Sea security environment.
