[7] The movement, whose militants oppose Yemen's internationally recognized government, has controlled a considerable swath of the country's territory along the Red Sea since 2014.

Since 12 January, the US and UK have led coalition air and missile strikes against the Houthis, while other countries are independently patrolling the waters near Yemen.

[27] The Israeli military said it used dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes, to make the attacks some 1,800 km from Israel.

[28] According to early reports the targets were fuel facilities, power stations and docks at the Ras Issa and Hodeidah ports.

[28] Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, labeling them "inhumane" and accusing the United States of backing Israeli attacks against civilian facilities.

[5] Israeli defence minister tweeted “Our message is clear, for us, no place is too far” in reference to the long distance traversed to conduct the attacks.