Al Hudaydah, Yemen - July 21, 2024

Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah on Saturday triggered a massive explosion and subsequent huge fire in the port area of Hodeidah, which continues to burn as of Sunday.

Israel's military confirmed Saturday that it bombed sites affiliated with the Houthi forces in Yemen, following an explosive drone attack by the militia that killed a man in Tel Aviv the day before.

The Houthi forces claimed that the strike targeted oil storage and electric facilities in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah on Saturday evening has increased to six, with 83 others wounded and three missing, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported Sunday.

Following the Israeli strikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks.

There are a total of 43 fuel storage tanks in Hodeidah, all of which were destroyed in the Israeli airstrikes. However, the official in charge refused to disclose the type and specific quantity of fuel that was burned.

Hodeidah is one of the largest and most important ports in Yemen. It is currently under the control of Yemen's armed Houthi group and plays a crucial role in the import and supply of essential commodities such as food and fuel to densely populated areas in northern Yemen. Also, more than two-thirds of Yemen's population, to some extent, relies on accessing essential supplies from Hodeidah for their livelihoods.

After the Israeli airstrikes, Hodeidah has been suspended from operations, and it is currently unclear if the port can be reopened in the short term.

Local residents are concerned that if Hodeidah is severely damaged and unable to resume operations, Yemen may face an unprecedented famine and an unparalleled humanitarian crisis.

Since late 2014, the Houthi group has controlled Hodeidah and several northern cities, including the capital Sanaa, pushing the internationally recognized government into the southern and eastern provinces.

Shotlist:
Hodeidah, Yemen - July 21, 2024:
1. Various of fire, smoke after Israeli airstrikes, fire fighting truck, rescuers;
2. Various of massive fire;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Muhammad Ayyash, Governor of Hodeidah (ending with shot 4):
"The civilian infrastructure in Hodeidah Province was targeted by Israeli airstrikes. The airstrikes have resulted in the ignition of fuel storage tanks and the interruption of electricity supply across the entire province. We must convey to the enemy that this is unacceptable to the Yemeni people, and we will fight back more fiercely.";
4. Various of fire, smoke;
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Muhammad Halisi, official in Hodeidah:
"We reiterate that in the face of enemy's conspiracies and aggression, Hodeidah Province will remain strong and resolute. We will uphold our strategic choices and confront the enemy.";
Hodeidah, Yemen - July 20, 2024
6. Various of fire, smoke, traffic, pedestrians.

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