FDD | May 16, 2025
Latest Developments
- IDF Strikes Yemen Ports: The Israeli Air Force launched new airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on May 16. According to an IDF statement, the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure of the Houthi terrorist regime” located in the Yemeni ports of Al-Salif and Hodeidah. The latest attack followed Israeli airstrikes on May 7 that targeted the Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport, which reportedly caused $500 million worth of damage.
- Strikes Follow Advance Warning: The IDF warned on May 11 that the Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Al-Salif ports were being used by the Houthis “for its terrorist activities” and urged that they be evacuated. The May 16 attack reportedly involved 15 fighter jets, which dropped some 35 munitions on the targeted ports. The IDF has estimated that it will take the Houthis at least a month to restore the facilities to operational capacity.
- Defense Minister Threatens Houthi Leader: Following the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “If the Houthis continue to fire missiles at the State of Israel, they will suffer painful blows.” He added, “The heads of terror will also be hit, just as we did to Deif and the Sinwars in Gaza,” referencing Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, killed by the IDF in Gaza in July 2024, former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, killed by the IDF in Gaza in October 2024, and his brother Mohammed Sinwar, who was targeted in a May 13 IDF strike in Gaza. Katz also issued a direct threat to the Houthis’ leader in his statement, declaring that Israel “will … hunt down and eliminate Abd[ul] Malek al-Houthi in Yemen.”
FDD Expert Response
“The Houthis continue to launch attacks against Israel after the ceasefire with the United States. The terrorist group is touting its missiles flying over Saudi Arabia during Trump’s visit as a victory over the United States and Israel, claiming that Washington and Jerusalem are divided. Israel continues to demonstrate that it won’t allow these ballistic missile and drone attacks to go unanswered. Washington should support Jerusalem and demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance by sharing intelligence for future IDF strikes and leaving the door open to resuming the air campaign if these unacceptable attacks on Israel persist.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst
“The IDF’s warning earlier this week that it would strike Houthi-controlled ports was initially perceived as psychological warfare. However, the IDF followed through on its threat. Consistent with its operational patterns in Gaza and Lebanon, the IDF’s pre-strike warning served a dual purpose: deterring adversaries and minimizing civilian casualties by encouraging evacuation. This approach underscores Israel’s strategy of combining psychological pressure with kinetic action to achieve tactical objectives.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
FDD Background and Analysis
“Houthis begin rebuilding after airstrikes, rely on extortion to finance projects,” by Bridget Toomey
“Houthis Pledge to Keep Targeting Israel Despite Ceasefire With U.S.” by Bridget Toomey
“‘Zionists, Stay in Shelters’: Houthis Threaten Retaliation Against Israel Following Devastating Strike on Sanaa Airport,” FDD Flash Brief
“Why Can’t Anyone Stop Yemen’s Houthi Rebels?” by Seth J. Frantzman
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