By Tel Aviv, Israel – In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Israeli army announced on Saturday that it has conducted airstrikes on several Houthi targets in western Yemen. This military action follows a fatal drone attack by the rebel group in Tel Aviv the previous day. The Israeli strikes mark the first on Yemeni soil since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October.
According to the Israeli military, a series of “military targets” were hit in the western port city of Hodeidah, a known Houthi stronghold. The targets included facilities believed to be involved in the Houthi’s operational capabilities. The Israeli army stated that this operation was “in response to the hundreds of attacks carried out against the state of Israel in recent months.”
The drone attack in Tel Aviv occurred early Friday and was reportedly orchestrated by the Houthi rebels. The assault resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to at least 10 others near the United States Embassy. This incident has heightened concerns over the expanding reach of Houthi military capabilities and their impact on regional security.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, describing them as a “blatant Israeli aggression.” In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Abdulsalam claimed that the attacks targeted essential infrastructure, including fuel storage facilities and the province’s main power station. He accused Israel of seeking to “increase the suffering of the people” and exert pressure on Yemen to cease its support for Gaza.
Health officials in Yemen reported that the Israeli airstrikes resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. However, specific details regarding the number of casualties were not disclosed. The affected areas in Hodeidah were reportedly significant to the Houthi’s logistical and operational framework.
The drone attack in Tel Aviv has prompted a robust response from Israel, highlighting the vulnerabilities and challenges posed by such asymmetric warfare tactics. Israeli air defenses, which have successfully intercepted most projectiles fired from the southern Arabian Peninsula, detected the drone on Friday. However, a technical error occurred, and the drone was not intercepted, leading to the tragic outcomes.
This latest development underscores the volatile nature of the current Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. The Israel-Hamas conflict, which has already strained relations and security across the region, now sees an added layer of complexity with the involvement of Houthi forces from Yemen.
Israeli officials reiterated their commitment to defending national security and responding decisively to threats. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens and our sovereignty,” an Israeli military spokesperson said.
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