Yemen’s Houthi rebels have accused the United States of responsibility for a series of airstrikes that hit areas in and around the capital, Sanaa, on Monday. The strikes, reportedly numbering around ten, follow a missile attack launched by the Houthis that targeted Israel’s main airport, Ben Gurion Airport. According to the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency, significant damage was inflicted, including strikes that hit Arbaeen Street and the airport road.
The Houthi health ministry reported that 14 individuals sustained injuries in the Sawan neighborhood during these airstrikes. The rebels, who maintain control over various territories in Yemen, have been actively targeting Israel and maritime routes in the Red Sea as part of their ongoing support for the Palestinian cause amid the current conflict in Gaza.
On Sunday, a missile fired from Yemen hit the area near Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, resulting in injuries to six people. The Israeli military confirmed that the attack created a large crater within the airport’s perimeter, occurring despite several attempts to intercept the incoming missile.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident in a video shared on Telegram, stating that Israel had previously targeted the Iran-backed Houthis and would continue to do so in the future. He ominously suggested that while immediate consequences might not be apparent, a series of retaliatory actions would follow. Netanyahu also indicated that Israel would respond to Iranian actions at a selective time and location.
Following the missile attack, several international airlines opted to suspend flights to Israel, and the Houthis issued threats of further strikes, advising airlines to avoid Israeli airports. Footage released by police captured the aftermath, showing officers examining a significant crater near the control tower without reporting damage to the airport’s infrastructure.
The missile strike has been characterized as unprecedented, marking the first time a missile has successfully struck within the airport grounds. The Houthis proudly claimed this operation was executed using a heralded hypersonic ballistic missile.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency services in Israel attended to six individuals who experienced light to moderate injuries. Witness accounts described a loud explosion resonating at approximately 9:35 AM, prompting security personnel to direct passengers to safety, including taking refuge in bunkers.
One passenger expressed the chaos and panic generated by the attack, noting the heightened tension and familiarity with such incidents since the onset of hostilities following the October 7 Hamas assault. Although flights were briefly halted, operations at Ben Gurion Airport resumed shortly thereafter, with assurances that the facility was operational.
As the situation unfolds, Israel’s military leadership has confirmed plans to escalate operations in Gaza, including mobilizing reservists. This initiative aims to eliminate Hamas infrastructure, both above and below ground, as the conflict continues. The ongoing involvement of the Houthis, alongside their previously stated intentions to target Israeli interests, highlights the broader regional implications of the conflict that has persisted throughout the Gaza war.
