Israel has launched airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi infrastructure, including Sanaa’s international airport, amidst escalating tensions. Three people were reportedly killed, and WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped injury during the assault. The strikes were a response to Houthi attacks on Israeli territory. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized ongoing operations against the Houthis, linking their actions to Iranian influence, while recent violence has led to increased casualties, including injuries from a rocket attack in Tel Aviv.
Israel Launches Airstrikes in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has conducted airstrikes on various targets in Yemen, resulting in the reported deaths of three individuals, according to the Houthi militia. Key locations targeted included the international airport in the capital city of Sanaa, where a delegation led by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was present at the time of the attack.
WHO Chief Experiences Close Call During Attack
The airstrikes came in retaliation to Houthi militia attacks on Israeli territory. The Israeli military specifically targeted Houthi infrastructure at the Sanaa airport and other strategic sites, including several ports and power plants. Israel has accused the Houthi group of utilizing civilian infrastructure for military operations, including smuggling weapons from Iran.
During the assault, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly avoided injury as gunfire erupted at the airport. He recounted the harrowing experience on social media, stating that their team was preparing to board their flight when the bombing occurred. Fortunately, members of the UN and WHO delegation were unharmed, though a crew member sustained injuries. Tedros expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The Houthi militia has remained aggressive in their stance towards Israel, continuing their attacks against the nation and its allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that operations against the Houthi militia would persist until they are effectively neutralized, describing the effort as critical to dismantling a “terror branch” linked to Iranian influence.
As tensions escalate, the conflict has resulted in a rising number of casualties, with reports indicating that 16 individuals were injured in a recent Houthi rocket attack on a playground in Tel Aviv. The ongoing violence underscores the complex and volatile situation in the region, with the Houthi militia actively participating in the broader Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel.