Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on an airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, in response to Israeli airstrikes on sites they control in Yemen, quoted by BTA.
The attack, which was carried out with missiles and drones, came just hours after the Israeli military struck the international airport in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
Missile attack on Tel Aviv and ship in Arabian Sea
The Houthis said they used drones in the attacks, which targeted both the Tel Aviv airport and a ship in the Arabian Sea. The attack is part of a broader escalation in the conflict that has been raging for years between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Despite the seriousness of the attacks, Israel has not made an official statement about its response to the attacks, at least not immediately. It is not yet clear whether the attacks caused serious damage or casualties.
Houthis justify the attack with Israeli aggression
In their statement, the Houthis stressed that the attack was in response to Israeli strikes on their positions in Yemen, including targeted airstrikes on strategic sites such as Sanaa International Airport. According to them, these attacks will only strengthen the resolve of the “great Yemeni people“ to continue to support the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israel.
Israeli strikes on Yemen
These new tensions come after a series of Israeli military actions in Yemen. Israel has repeatedly carried out strikes against Houthi positions, which are linked to Iran and are located in close proximity to strategically important sites in the region. Israeli authorities do not usually comment publicly on strikes targeting the Houthis, but they are part of its broader strategy to counter Iranian influence in the region.
Geopolitical context and support for Palestine
The Houthis have repeatedly stated that their actions are motivated by support for Palestine and opposition to Israeli “aggression“. These attacks highlight the regional nature of the conflict, which has escalated following various interventions and conflicts in the Middle East. As the war in Yemen continues to rage, the Houthis have managed to draw attention to their cause and express their determination to act against Israeli rule.
This escalation raises new questions about the stability of the region, while also pitting Israel and Yemen in an even deeper conflict, in which not only local powers but also global players such as Iran are involved.