Escalating Conflict: Twenty Injured in Houthi Drone Strike on Eilat, Israel

Thu Oct 16 2025 08:40:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A recent drone attack attributed to the Iranian-backed Houthi group has left at least twenty individuals injured in the southern Israeli city of Eilat, raising concerns about escalating violence in the region.

In a significant escalation of tensions, a drone strike from Yemen has injured twenty people in Eilat, Israel. The Israeli military has confirmed the strike, claiming it was launched by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who subsequently took responsibility. Emergency services responded quickly, with two victims reported to have serious injuries. This attack is part of a broader conflict involving drone and missile strikes exchanged between Israel and Houthi forces.

Rescuers say at least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military stated that a drone was launched from Yemen.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, prompting attempts to intercept it.

The Magen David Adom emergency medical service confirmed that 20 individuals were transported to Yoseftal Hospital, including two men with serious limb injuries.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have claimed responsibility for the strike, with a spokesman for the group stating that two drones targeted 'Israeli enemy targets' in a 'successful' operation.

Israeli television stations broadcast footage of the drone strike which showed smoke billowing from the impact site. Verified videos on social media depict a drone flying down behind buildings, followed by birds scattering as if startled.

The IDF stated that troops and police were dispatched to Eilat following the drone attack, assisting in the evacuation of affected areas. A helicopter was sent to transport the injured to the hospital.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz expressed his wishes for a full recovery to the injured and stated that the Houthi terrorists would face significant repercussions for their actions.

This incident represents one of the deadliest attacks by the Houthis against Israel to date. In previous attacks, including one in July 2024, a drone strike killed one and injured ten others in Tel Aviv.

While Eilat, a popular tourist destination, has experienced recent drone strikes, previous incidents did not result in casualties. Increased hostilities have been observed, with missiles and drones routinely launched towards Israel by the Houthis, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza.

In retaliation, Israel has conducted air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, with notable targets including the Red Sea port of Hudaydah.