NextFin news, Israel conducted airstrikes on Thursday in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, targeting areas controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group, according to Israeli officials and local residents who reported hearing loud explosions.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the airstrikes in a statement, with Israel's state-owned Kan TV reporting that the strikes were aimed at Houthi leaders, though their identities were not disclosed. The strikes followed the interception by the Israeli military of two drones launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory earlier that day.
The Israeli military stated that the first drone entered Israeli airspace near Gaza around noon, triggering air raid sirens before being intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. A second drone was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory less than two hours later. No casualties or material damage were reported from the drone launches.
The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen including Sanaa, has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel has responded with airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled infrastructure such as airports, power stations, and ports in Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.
Local residents in Sanaa described the airstrikes as causing significant explosions and smoke plumes, though no immediate reports of casualties or damage have emerged. The Houthis have not issued an immediate comment on the latest airstrikes or the drone attacks.
This escalation comes amid broader regional tensions, with European nations moving to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, a key backer of the Houthis. The conflict between Israel and the Houthis continues to contribute to instability in the Middle East.
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