Israeli airstrikes hit the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa early Thursday, causing fires at energy facilities and the Red Sea port of Hodeida.

An Israeli military statement claimed the targeted sites were used by Houthi forces for military purposes, asserting the strikes weakened the Houthi regime and prevented its use of these locations for military and terrorist activities, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducted these strikes on Yemeni ports and energy infrastructure in response to missile launches that were intercepted before reaching Israel, according to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

Following the interception, and the possibility of falling debris, rocket and missile sirens sounded in Israel.

Sirens blared near Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, with a large explosion heard overhead. While the Houthis haven’t yet claimed responsibility for the missile attack, they indicated a statement would follow, consistent with their usual practice.

The Houthis have been attacking Israel and shipping as part of their campaign, coinciding with Israel’s ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reports has resulted in over 45,000 deaths.

Since the start of the October 2023 Israel-Hamas war, the Houthi group has targeted over 100 Israeli assets.

Houthi-controlled media haven’t yet reported on casualties or damage from Thursday’s strikes.