The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for a series of airstrikes in Yemen, specifically targeting Sana’a International Airport and other locations in the Houthi-controlled capital. The Israel Defense Forces stated that the strikes were aimed at military infrastructure used by the Houthis for conducting acts of terrorism.
According to the IDF, the Houthi regime has been involved in repeated attacks against Israel and its citizens, including the use of UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles. The recent strikes by the IDF targeted military infrastructure at various key locations, such as the Sana’a International Airport, Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, as well as ports in Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib on the western coast.
These airstrikes come in response to missile strikes launched at Israel from Yemen by the Houthi rebels. The Houthis, who control a significant portion of northern Yemen, have been supporting Hamas terrorists in their conflict with Israel. They have attempted to enforce an embargo on Israel by targeting cargo vessels crossing the Red Sea, a crucial international trade route.
Since the massacre carried out by Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel. Additionally, they have attacked more than six dozen commercial vessels, particularly in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which serves as the southern gateway to Egypt’s Suez Canal.
Following a recent incident where a projectile from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, causing mild injuries to 16 people, Israel retaliated by targeting multiple locations in Yemen under Houthi control, including power plants in Sana'a. Israeli leaders have expressed their determination to eliminate Houthi leadership if the attacks persist.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed to strike strategic infrastructure and target Houthi leaders, drawing parallels to previous actions taken against leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the Israeli public of a forceful and sophisticated military campaign against the Houthis, emphasizing the need for patience as they work towards achieving their objectives.
