Israel’s military reported on Friday that it successfully intercepted an incoming unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) originating from the east, a development linked to ongoing tensions in the region. Concurrently, a military source in Jordan indicated that another drone had crashed in their territory.
In its statement, the Israeli military did not provide detailed information about the interception but confirmed that the drone posed a threat as it headed toward Israeli airspace. This incident marks the latest in a series of drone and missile attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The Houthis, who have positioned themselves as supporters of the Palestinian cause, have repeatedly targeted Israel with UAVs and missiles, most of which have been intercepted before reaching their intended targets.
The Houthis publicly claimed responsibility for the latest drone attacks, stating on their official website that they aimed at two Israeli military targets located in the occupied Jaffa area, south of Tel Aviv. They expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, reiterating their commitment to support and assistance, with intentions to continue their operations.
In Jordan, media reports detailed a separate incident involving a Yemeni drone that breached the country’s airspace. A Jordanian military source revealed that the drone crashed in the Ma’in area of Madaba Governorate, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of Amman. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties; however, debris from the drone ignited a fire in the nearby wooded area. Local military personnel and civil defense teams responded promptly to extinguish the blaze.
The situation remains tense as various groups, including the Houthis and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, another Iran-affiliated organization, have engaged in attacks against Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict. These developments highlight the broader regional instability fueled by ongoing geopolitical strife, with armed groups asserting their solidarity with the Palestinian cause through military actions.