Yemen’s Ports Suffer Heavy Losses Due to Israeli Airstrikes

Sources revealed significant losses at the three ports in Hudaydah, which are under Houthi control, with 70% of their operational capacity knocked out due to Israeli airstrikes targeting the essential tugboats that allow ships to enter the ports.

Tugboats Out of Service, Majority Destroyed

According to sources from Al-Masdar Online, the affected tugboats represent the majority of the vessels operating in the ports, with only 30% still working as usual.

Israeli airstrikes on Thursday destroyed four major tugboats: "Hajja," "Abu Ali," "21 September," and "At-Tair."

Casualties and Material Damage

The sources added that the tugboat "Abu Ali" was targeted at the Salif port, resulting in the deaths of seven workers. The tugboat "21 September" was destroyed at the Ras Isa port, killing two citizens. Meanwhile, "Hajja" and "At-Tair" tugboats at the Hudaydah port were targeted, though no one was on board at the time of the strikes.

Houthi Efforts to Bring in New Tugboats

Despite the damages, two tugboats continue to operate at the Hudaydah port. The Houthis have issued directives to bring in new tugboats to help facilitate ship entry into the ports.

Humanitarian and Economic Situation Worsens

The Israeli airstrikes on Thursday against the Salif, Ras Isa, and Hudaydah ports led to the death of 11 citizens and injuries to others. This has further complicated the already dire humanitarian and economic situation in the region.َِ