Updated Google Maps shows extent of destruction from Israeli strikes on Houthi Yemen as leader threatens renewed attacks

The Houthi terrorist leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi again threatened to resume missile and drone attacks on Israel if it resumes hostilities in Gaza after the end of the first phase of the hostage-ceasefire agreement. 

In a televised speech from Sana’a on Saturday night, on the first day of Ramadan, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned that a resumption of Israeli military operations in Gaza will trigger a Houthi military response against Israel, specifically targeting the metropolis of Tel Aviv. 

“If war returns to Gaza, we will rain fire upon all areas of the enemy regime [Israel], especially Tel Aviv, which is known as occupied Jaffa,” al-Houthi stated. 

"We stand firmly committed through religious, humanitarian, and ethical obligations to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters, along with resistance forces, particularly the Qassam Brigades," al-Houthi said. 

Al-Houthi said that Houthi forces are prepared to open multiple military fronts in solidarity with Gaza if Israel continues its military operations. 

Sunday evening, following the announcement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt humanitarian aid into Gaza, senior Houthi official Nasr al-Din Amer warned on his 𝕏 account, “The eye is watching Gaza, the hand is on the trigger, the missiles and marches are on alert, and all military units are on alert.. The decision of Sir Leader Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi is clear and he is the one who has been tested.” 

Another Houthi official, Hazem al-Assad, said that the United States could also be targeted for its support for Israel during the conflict. 

“If the war in Gaza resumes, we are ready for a full-scale war against U.S. interests in the region, should the United States attempt to defend Israel, support its aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza, or attack our nation,” al-Assad said. 

Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missile and drone attacks on Israel as well as targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea it says are linked to Israeli businesses. The rebel group claims these actions are done in “solidarity with Gaza.” 

However, Israel began to target the Houthi rebels in a more strategic way only after several months of missile and drone attacks by the rebel group. 

Israel targeted the Houthis with airstrikes five times during the Gaza conflict, with the most recent strike being carried out on Jan. 10. The first Israeli strike happened on July 20, 2024, which Israel called Operation Long Arm. This was followed by additional strikes on Sept. 29, Dec. 19, and Dec. 26. The port of Hodeidah received particular attention during these strikes, including nearby oil storage facilities. 

In December 2024, following several ballistic missile and drone attacks against its territory, Israel launched a strike group targeting several areas in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. Among the targets were two power plants in the capital city of Sana’a, and port facilities in Hodeidah and Salif, as well as the Ras Issa oil facility. 

Now, updates to the popular Google Maps have finally shown some of the extent of the damages from that strike. 

Specifically, the maps showing the port facilities in Hodeidah have been updated since the attacks, and the burned out oil storage tanks are clearly seen. 

It is not clear when the newer satellite imagery was taken, and if it includes damages from the earlier attacks, or only from the later attacks. 

What is clear, is that the IAF demonstrated its ability to precisely strike targets in Yemen in response to aggression from the Houthi regime.