Israel Strikes Yemen Airport After Houthi Attack: What’s Happening?

On Tuesday, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen. This was the second attack in two days, aiming at the Houthi rebels, who are aligned with Iran. The Houthis recently fired a missile near Israel’s main airport, Ben Gurion.

In the latest strike, three people lost their lives. The Israeli forces warned residents to leave the airport area before the attack. They claimed their focus was on destroying Houthi infrastructure, putting the airport out of service. Witnesses reported multiple strikes in the capital, Sanaa.

Tensions have increased since Israel began military action against Hamas after their attack on October 7. The Houthis fired missiles at Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians. In response, Israel struck Houthi positions, including ports.

Israel stated that the airstrike on the airport targeted crucial facilities used by the Houthis to transfer weapons and fighters. Yemenia Airways confirmed that three of its planes were destroyed due to the Israeli strikes.

The Houthis, who control about 60% of Yemen, stated they would keep fighting until the situation in Gaza improves. An official from the United Nations called these actions a serious escalation in an already tense region. The previous day, Israeli airstrikes near Hodeidah caused several casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to take action after the missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport, which led many airlines to cancel flights.