Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missile attacks on Israel. Houthi media reported that the strikes killed at least two people and injured five. This is the latest in a series of direct attacks and counterstrikes that have occurred between Israel and Houthi militants in Yemen over the past year, stemming from the war in Gaza.
In a statement, the Israeli military said, “The strikes were conducted in response to repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel and its civilians, including the launching of surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs toward Israeli territory in recent days.” On Friday, the Houthis claimed they had fired a ballistic missile toward Israel as their latest act of support for Palestinians in Gaza. An Israeli Air Force official said on Sunday that the missile likely carried several sub-munitions “intended to be detonated upon impact,” and that this was the “first time that this kind of missile has been launched from Yemen.”
Since Israel’s war with Hamas began in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have attacked vessels in the Red Sea, which they describe as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. They have also frequently fired missiles toward Israel, most of which have been intercepted. In response, Israel has launched strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the crucial Hodeidah port. Abdul Qader al-Murtada, a senior Houthi official, stated on X on Sunday that the Houthis would continue their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, saying, “They must know that we will not abandon our brothers in Gaza, whatever the sacrifices.”
