Aerial attacks, attributed to Israel, directly hit groups allied with Iran (Houthis), significantly disturbing Sana'a, Yemen's capital city.
In a continuation of the volatile conflict, Israel launched a series of airstrikes against targets in Yemen on Sunday, following repeated missile attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels towards Israeli territory.
The airstrikes, involving over 10 Israeli fighter jets, targeted the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, hitting the Sanaa airport, destroying the terminal and leaving craters in its runway. At least six passenger planes were reportedly hit, including three belonging to Yemenia Airways, according to airport authorities.
The Houthi rebels, who have been launching missiles and drones towards Israel and targeting ships in the Red Sea for over 22 months, vowed to continue their attacks on Israel. Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, reaffirmed their commitment to attacks, stating that they would target merchant ships belonging to any company that does business with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality.
The latest Israeli strikes on Yemen occurred a week after Israel targeted energy infrastructure believed to be used by the rebels. The attacks have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of global goods pass each year.
The Houthi-run health ministry reported at least four people were killed and 67 others were wounded due to the airstrikes. Plumes of smoke were seen near Sabeen Square, a central gathering place in the capital, and residents heard explosions close to a closed military academy and the presidential palace.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Houthi rebels are paying a heavy price for their aggression, while Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israel continues to impose an air and naval blockade.
In May, the United States announced a deal with the Houthis to end the airstrikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping. However, the rebels said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets believed to be aligned with Israel.
Last month, the Houthis claimed they would target merchant ships belonging to any company that does business with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality, as part of a new phase of operations against Israel. The use of cluster bombs makes interception more difficult and represents additional technology provided to the Houthis by Iran, according to the Israeli Air Force official.
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a missile towards Israel on Sunday, which is described as the first cluster bomb they have launched at Israel since 2023. An Israeli Air Force official called the projectile a new threat - a cluster munition, meant to detonate into multiple explosives on impact. However, Israel's military said the projectile fragmented mid-air after several interception attempts.
Video on social media showed a fireball erupting at an oil company in Sanaa, while the Al-Masirah satellite television reported a strike on the oil company. Israel's military stated they struck the Asar and Hizaz power plants, a significant electricity supply facility for military activities, and a military site where the presidential palace is located.
From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis targeted more than 100 commercial and naval ships with missiles and drones. Ahmed al-Mekhlafy, a Sanaa resident, stated the sounds of explosions were very strong, with his house being rocked and windows shattered.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The international community continues to express concern over the escalating conflict and the potential for further disruptions to global trade and security.
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