The Israeli military announced it had executed its most powerful strike in Yemen, targeting Houthi military and intelligence facilities in response to their ongoing aerial attacks against Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) utilized numerous aircraft in air raids over Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. However, according to the health ministry affiliated with the Houthi government, eight individuals were killed, including civilians, in these operations.
This strike comes just a day following a Houthi drone attack that injured 22 people in Eilat, Israel.
The Houthis have maintained control over a significant portion of north-western Yemen since their ousting of the internationally recognized government a decade ago, leading to a protracted civil conflict.
Following the eruption of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis began attacking Israel and international shipping routes, asserting their actions as support for the Palestinian cause.
Israel's recent airstrikes in Yemen represent a continuation of its military response to the Houthi offensive, characterized by missile and drone strikes directed at Israeli territories.
Reports indicate massive fires and extensive smoke billowing from several points across Sanaa post-airstrike. Witnesses described numerous sites that were significantly damaged, with visuals shared showing the aftermath of the strikes.
Israeli officials declared that the airstrikes targeted key military assets, including a General Staff Command Headquarters and various intelligence compounds supposedly utilized in operations against Israel.
In the aftermath of the attack, criticisms emerged regarding the targeting of civilian areas, with health ministry representatives alleging systematic attacks against residences and critical infrastructure, labeling them as gross violations of international law.
The IDF vowed to continue offensive operations against Houthi positions in response to the persistent threat they pose to Israel.
