Israel has confirmed an airstrike on Sanaa's International Airport in Yemen in retaliation for a Houthi missile strike near Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces issued evacuation warnings before the attacks, highlighting concerns over Iran-backed Houthi activities in the region.
Escalating Tensions: Israel Targets Sanaa Airport Following Houthi Missile Attack
Escalating Tensions: Israel Targets Sanaa Airport Following Houthi Missile Attack
An Israeli airstrike on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, following threats from the Houthi group.
An Israeli airstrike targeted Sanaa International Airport in Yemen’s capital, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a significant escalation of military actions associated with the ongoing conflict. The IDF had previously issued an evacuation notice for the airport, cautioning that remaining in the vicinity posed serious risks. This strike followed the missile attack by the Yemeni Houthi group, which landed near Israel's primary international airport on that same Sunday.
The Israeli military has intensified its operations against the Iran-aligned Houthi faction, executing previous strikes on sites such as power plants and ports as recently as January. The latest strike also included attacks on strategic Houthi positions in Hudaydah, including the port, which is vital for Yemen’s food supply and was reportedly a conduit for Iranian weapon supplies.
Houthi health ministry spokesperson, Anees al-Asbahi, reported that the airstrike resulted in at least 21 injuries in Sanaa. The Houthis have shifted their blame towards both the United States and Israel for these developments, although a US defense official refuted any involvement in the strikes.
This escalating conflict derives momentum from the missile launched toward Ben Gurion airport, which narrowly avoided an extensive catastrophe. Following that incident, the Houthis declared an intention to establish a comprehensive aerial blockade against Israel, targeting its airports as a response to ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued statements promising retaliatory measures against the Houthi group, claiming previous strikes were merely precursors to future actions. The situation continues to be precarious as military actions unfold in this tense geopolitical landscape between Israel and the Houthi forces.
