Israel Retaliates with Airstrikes on Yemen’s Sanaa Following Houthi Attack

Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Thursday. The military action was a direct response to a Houthi drone attack on the Israeli resort city of Eilat the previous day. According to Reuters, the strikes targeted multiple Houthi-controlled facilities.

The Houthi-run health ministry reported significant casualties from the Israeli bombardment. They stated that two people were killed and 48 others were wounded. The ministry claimed the attack hit civilian and service facilities.

Details of the Airstrikes and Immediate Aftermath

The Israeli military released a statement detailing the targets. It said air force jets struck the Houthi general staff’s control headquarters. Other targets included security compounds, intelligence sites, and military camps.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation on social media. He stated Israel had delivered a powerful strike against the Houthi terror organization. The strikes are part of a prolonged cycle of attacks between the two sides.

Residents in Sanaa described a scene of terror and destruction. One witness told Reuters that the city was covered in dust following the explosions. The witness reported seeing dozens of women and children smeared with blood.

A Broader Regional Conflict Spills Over

This exchange marks the latest escalation in over a year of hostilities. The conflict is a direct spillover from the ongoing war in Gaza. The Houthi group has repeatedly launched drones and missiles toward Israel.

The airstrikes occurred as a pre-recorded speech by Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi was airing. This incident follows a major Israeli strike in August that killed senior Houthi officials. That attack killed the prime minister of the Houthis’ administration.

The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the strikes hit the Dhahban power station. The attack also damaged several residential neighborhoods. Civil defence teams were still working at the scene hours later.

The retaliatory airstrikes underscore the high risk of the Gaza war expanding into a wider regional conflict. The direct exchange between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen signals a dangerous new phase. This development continues to threaten international shipping lanes and regional stability.

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What was the Houthi attack that triggered this response?

The Houthis claimed a drone attack on a hotel in Eilat on Wednesday. The Israeli ambulance service reported that at least 20 people were injured in that incident.

What were the casualties from the Israeli airstrikes?

The Houthi-run health ministry said two people were killed. It also reported that 48 individuals were wounded in the strikes on Sanaa.

Which specific locations did Israel target?

Israel stated it hit the Houthi general staff’s control headquarters. The strikes also focused on security, intelligence compounds, and military camps.

How does this connect to the war in Gaza?

The Houthis have positioned themselves as part of an “axis of resistance” against Israel. Their attacks, and Israeli counter-strikes, are a direct spillover from the conflict in Gaza.

Has Israel targeted senior Houthi officials before?

Yes. In August, an Israeli strike killed the prime minister of the Houthis’ administration. Several other senior ministers from the group were also killed in that attack.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Hindustan Times.