Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, targeting key infrastructure including a military compound near the presidential palace, two power plants, and a fuel storage facility. The strikes came in retaliation for recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, including a ballistic missile carrying cluster sub-munitions.
According to the Houthi-run Ministry of Health, at least six people were killed and 86 others were injured in the attack. Eyewitnesses reported massive explosions and plumes of thick smoke rising over the city as rescue teams rushed to evacuate the injured.
The Israeli military said the operation was a “necessary defensive measure” in response to escalating hostilities from Houthi forces, who have repeatedly launched drones and missiles towards Israel in recent weeks.
Houthi officials condemned the strikes and vowed to continue their military operations in support of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. “These attacks will not deter us from standing with the oppressed people of Palestine,” a Houthi spokesperson said.
International observers have expressed concern that the escalation could further destabilize the region, already reeling from ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the Red Sea.
This latest confrontation marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
