At least 35 people were reported killed in Israeli air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Wednesday, as stated by the health ministry associated with the Iran-backed group. The Israeli military confirmed it targeted military sites in the capital, Sanaa, and al-Jawf province, which included what it labeled as “the Houthis’ military public relations headquarters.” This action was framed as a response to recent missile and drone attacks directed at Israel.
The Houthi military spokesman contended that the strikes affected civilian areas, asserting that journalists and bystanders were among those killed when the offices of two local newspapers were struck. In the early hours on Thursday, the Israeli military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen. One Houthi leader had previously indicated an intention to retaliate against Israeli strikes “with all our might.”
Israel’s attacks follow a previous incident last month, where an air strike in Sanaa resulted in the death of the Houthi-run government’s prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, alongside several ministers. Video footage circulating on social media captured smoke rising from explosion sites in Sanaa, with first responders searching through the debris of affected structures.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), multiple military targets were hit, including camps that had reportedly been used to plan attacks on Israel. These attacks have included numerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles launched toward Israeli territory, with many intercepted. A recent drone strike had successfully hit an airport in southern Israel, resulting in injuries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the situation, emphasizing the need to strike back against threats, while Houthi spokespersons criticized the strikes for targeting civilians. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV claimed that a medical facility, along with the offices of several newspapers, were affected, leading to casualties and significant damage to residential areas.
Houthi officials reported fatalities and injuries in Sanaa and al-Jawf, with ongoing searches for potential missing persons under the rubble. As tensions persist, the Houthis have vowed to respond robustly to Israeli actions, amid ongoing civil conflict in Yemen, which has seen the group hold control over much of the northwestern region since 2014.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c179e5v552ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss