ADEN, Yemen/JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli airstrikes targeted key infrastructure and Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen's capital Sanaa and Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Thursday, according to media reports.
The strikes reportedly hit Sanaa International Airport and Hezyaz power station, both located in areas under the control of the Houthi group.
Simultaneously, additional targets in Hodeidah were also subjected to Israeli airstrikes.
The airstrikes coincided with a televised speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.
Israel's state-owned Kan TV also reported that Israel launched an intense air attack targeting Sanaa and Hodeidah.
Citing an anonymous Israeli official, Kan TV reported that Israeli warplanes carried out several waves of airstrikes, focusing on Sanaa's airport and Hodeidah's port.
Footage circulating on social media showed large explosions, with black smoke and fire rising above buildings in Yemen.
The strikes were carried out based on an assessment that Houthi forces intended to escalate their attacks on Israel and shipping routes, the Israeli broadcaster said. ■
