Israeli Airstrikes Target Yemen’s Capital Following Houthi Missile Attack

In a significant escalation of regional conflicts, Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes on Sana, Yemen, targeting the main international airport two days after Houthi rebels fired a ballistic missile that struck near Ben-Gurion International Airport in Israel.

Israeli military officials confirmed that the bombardment took place on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in the escalating hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which controls the area around Sana. This strike came in response to the Houthi's missile launch, which injured at least six people in Israel. The Houthis have been vocal about their support for the Palestinian cause, framing their assaults on Israel as an act of solidarity amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Details regarding the extent of the damage at Sana's international airport remain unclear; however, this airport serves over 20 million Yemeni citizens living in Houthi-dominated areas, emphasizing the humanitarian implications of such military actions. Prior to the attack, the Israeli military issued warnings via social media, urging evacuation in the vicinity of the airport to minimize civilian casualties.

In retaliation for the Houthi missile strike that successfully infiltrated Israel's air defense systems, the Israeli military also targeted the port city of Hudaydah the evening before the airstrike in Sana, resulting in reports of at least four fatalities and over 30 injuries, as per Houthi health ministry accounts. Following these events, the Houthi leadership declared an "air blockade" on Israel, signaling their intent to continue targeting Israeli air traffic and further complicating an already tense situation.

This ongoing exchange of military strikes illustrates the deep-seated geopolitical conflicts in the region, where local and international interests converge and lead to escalating cycles of violence.