The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered the urgent evacuation of Hodeidah port in western Yemen at approximately 11:47 AM UTC on September 16th, 2025, ahead of planned military strikes. IDF Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee stated the strikes are in response to Houthi military activities and urged immediate evacuation of the port and any ships present. Colonel Adraee emphasized that remaining in the area would endanger lives, according to a statement disseminated via social media. The IDF has previously conducted strikes on Hodeidah Port in response to repeated ballistic missile and drone attacks by the Houthis targeting Israel. This warning follows earlier advisories issued this morning concerning increased covert fundraising efforts by Hezbollah abroad, as alerted by Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, also arrived in Riyadh earlier today for regional security talks. This development is the latest in ongoing tensions in the region. Yesterday, the Israeli Air Force executed a strike in the Yatter area of southern Lebanon, targeting a Hezbollah operative involved in the organization's rehabilitation efforts in the region, as stated by the IDF. The ministry indicated a strategic shift by Hezbollah to obscure its financial activities. The arrival of Ali Larijani in Riyadh also signals ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional security concerns.
