The bombing follows a Houthi missile attack near Tel Aviv
Israel’s military, the IDF, stated on Tuesday that its airstrikes have “fully disabled” Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, which is under Houthi control, and have also struck other targets.
After the Houthi rebel group launched a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday, the IDF initiated a series of strikes against Houthi-controlled locations in Yemen.
The IDF stated that ”The fighter jets struck and dismantled Houthi terrorist infrastructure at the main airport in Sanaa, fully disabling the airport,” adding that several power plants and a concrete factory were also targeted.
Online footage depicted thick black smoke billowing over Sanaa.
According to Al Masirah, a Houthi-affiliated broadcaster, Tuesday’s strikes resulted in at least three fatalities and over 30 injuries. These strikes occurred less than 24 hours after Israel bombed the port of Hodeidah, resulting in one death and numerous injuries.
The broadcaster cautioned that the recent attacks might exacerbate Yemen’s humanitarian crisis by disrupting electricity supply.
These airstrikes signify a significant increase in conflict between the IDF and the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran. On Sunday, a Houthi missile bypassed Israel’s air defenses and landed near Ben Gurion Airport, injuring six individuals and briefly disrupting air traffic. This appeared to be the first instance of a Houthi projectile reaching the vicinity. Israeli officials strongly condemned the attack.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, asserting the strike was a retaliation for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. They threatened “a comprehensive air blockade” and pledged to “repeatedly target airports,” with specific mention of Ben Gurion.
The group, which holds control over a significant portion of western Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah, has launched numerous drones and missiles towards Israeli territory and shipping in the Red Sea over the past year, stating that these attacks are in support of Palestinians.
Following Tuesday’s strikes, the Houthis declared that Israel’s actions “will not go unanswered.”
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