The Israeli navy struck targets in Yemen for the first time since the Gaza war began 20 months ago, targeting Houthi militia facilities at the port of Hodeidah, the military announced Tuesday.

“The strikes were conducted following the aggression of the Houthi terrorist regime toward the State of Israel, including the launch of surface-to-surface missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and its citizens,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

The operation aimed to prevent the continued use of Hodeidah port for military purposes. While the Israeli Air Force had repeatedly targeted the area over the past year, the military said the port had remained a key hub for Houthi arms shipments and operations.

The IDF accused the Houthis of “cynical exploitation of civilian infrastructure.”

On Monday evening, an Israeli army spokesman issued a warning in Arabic urging evacuation from three Houthi-controlled ports, including Hodeidah.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Since the Gaza war began in Oct. 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis had launched repeated rocket and drone attacks on Israel in support of Hamas.

Israel had frequently responded with airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.

(dpa/NAN)