Israel’s military has conducted airstrikes on Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting key facilities including the international airport in Sanaa and several power plants. This operation marks the second series of strikes in just two days, following a missile attack by the Houthis that struck an access road near Israel’s main airport, temporarily disrupting air traffic and causing minor injuries.
The Houthi-run news channel, al-Masirah, confirmed damage to the Sanaa airport. Israeli television broadcast footage of thick smoke rising over the city after the strikes, with social media posts showing multiple explosions in the area. Despite these actions, there have been no reports regarding casualties from the recent attacks.
Prior to the strikes on Tuesday, Israel’s military had issued a public warning for civilians to evacuate areas near the airport. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged immediate evacuation for safety reasons, indicating the gravity of the situation.
The previous night, Israeli forces targeted Houthi positions in the Red Sea province of Hodeida, with reports of casualties that included at least one fatality and numerous injuries. The strikes affected vital infrastructure, including a cement factory, as the Houthis alleged they faced multiple attacks during this operation.
The Houthi rebels have been actively launching missiles directed at Israel in a display of solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict. Their missile attacks represent a significant rise in confrontations, with some missiles managing to bypass Israeli defence systems and inflict damage.
This escalatory cycle of conflict witnessed its most notable incident when a Houthi missile directly impacted the grounds of Ben Gurion International Airport for the first time since the current hostilities began in October 2023, resulting in widespread flight cancellations.
The ongoing hostilities have raised the Houthis’ profile within the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East as they position themselves as a crucial player capable of challenging Israel’s security amidst the broader regional conflict. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing series of confrontations, with previous Israeli assaults against Houthi positions also noted throughout the year.
Israel’s strategic military responses to the Houthi threat reflect a longstanding pattern of engagement, intensifying following prior confrontations linked to missile attacks and regional security concerns. The United States, under different administrations, has also participated in military actions targeting the Houthis, demonstrating the intertwined nature of international interests in this volatile situation.