Israeli airstrikes targeted the city of Sana’a yesterday, as a response to missiles launched by Houthi forces toward Israel, who claimed to have hit military sites. Yemeni media reported that the assault resulted in at least two fatalities and injured thirty-five others.
Images from AFP captured a large fireball illuminating the sky over Sana’a, leaving behind a thick column of black smoke. The strikes were reported to have targeted the “oil company station on 60th Street in Sana’a” and the “Haziz power plant south of Sana’a.” A security source stated that the attack focused on a building related to the capital’s security in central Sana’a.
Targeting Multiple Sites
Israeli media outlets reported that the airstrikes hit fifty Houthi targets, with fighter jets having exited Yemen’s airspace subsequently.
The Israeli strikes came a week after similar attacks targeted the Haziz power plant in the Sanhan district, south of Sana’a, which eyewitness reports noted inflicted significant damage.
Mutual Strikes
This incident marks the latest in a series of reciprocal assaults between Israel and the Houthis over the past year, amidst the ongoing conflict stemming from the Gaza war.
The Israeli military stated that the targets included a military compound housing the presidential palace, two power generation facilities, and a fuel storage site. Yemeni sources reported at least two deaths and injuries to five others from the airstrikes.
In a statement, the Israeli military indicated that the attacks were executed in retaliation for the frequent assaults by the Houthis on Israel, including ground-to-ground missile fire and drone attacks in recent days.
Ballistic Missile Launch
The Houthis announced on Friday that they had launched a ballistic missile toward Israel in their latest offensive. An Israeli Air Force official noted yesterday that the missile likely carried cluster munitions “intended to explode upon impact.” They also remarked, “This is the first instance of this type of missile being launched from Yemen.”
Attacks and Responses
The Houthis have targeted vessels in the Red Sea and frequently launched missiles toward Israel, most of which have been intercepted. In return, Israel has conducted strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including the vital port of Hodeidah.