Escalating Tensions: Israel Bombs Sanaa Airport in Response to Houthi Missile Threat
On Tuesday, Israeli fighter jets launched a series of airstrikes against Sanaa International Airport and various locations around Yemen's capital, as part of a retaliatory measure following a missile attack from the Houthi rebels directed at Tel Aviv last Sunday. The Israeli military has confirmed that these strikes are aimed at crippling the Houthis' capabilities, alleging the airport was being utilized for weapon transport.
According to reports from the Houthis' government, at least three individuals have lost their lives, with an additional 38 injured due to the bombings. Al Masirah TV, the spokesperson for the Houthi movement, described the airstrikes as a coordinated act of "American-Israeli aggression," highlighting large plumes of smoke ascending from Sanaa International Airport and other targeted sites in the city.
In conjunction with the attacks on the airport, Israeli bombings also struck three significant power plants in the vicinity—specifically in Haiz, Maeen, and Dhahban—all of which had previously been hit by U.S. airstrikes in recent weeks. Other areas affected included the Attan zone southwest of the capital, as well as a cement factory located in Amran, northwest of Sanaa.
Prior to the assault on Sanaa airport, the Israeli Army had issued an evacuation order for the areas controlled by the Houthi movement, urging civilians to leave the vicinity immediately to avoid potential harm. Avichay Adraee, the Army's Arabic spokesman, warned that staying in the area presented significant risks without disclosing additional context.
This escalation follows a deadly night of airstrikes on Monday, where four individuals were killed and another 39 injured in attacks on a cement factory and the port city of Al Hudeida along the Red Sea coast, as reported by Houthi officials.
The United States commenced its military campaign against the Houthis over a year ago as a response to their assaults on commercial maritime traffic and against Israel. However, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen would cease, stating that the Houthis had expressed a willingness to stop their attacks on U.S. shipping. He mentioned representatives from the rebels had asked to "stop bombing us and we will not attack your ships anymore," to which he responded affirmatively.
Despite the announcement from the Trump administration, the Houthi leadership reaffirmed their commitment to support Palestine in the wake of the Israeli attacks. They declared that Yemen’s backing for the Palestinian cause would continue unabated until the aggression ceased and the blockade on Gaza was lifted, further asserting their intent to maintain military operations against Israel.
This escalating conflict raises serious concerns about regional stability and the humanitarian situation in Yemen, already embattled by a prolonged civil war and dire humanitarian conditions.
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