The Israeli military has launched a significant attack on Yemen’s main airport in Sanaa, completely disabling it in a series of strikes on Tuesday. The airstrikes targeted three civilian planes, the departures hall, the runway, and a military air base. Airport sources confirmed that the airport had been “completely destroyed,” while local authorities reported at least three casualties.
The attack came just two days after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a missile toward Israel’s main airport in Tel Aviv. The missile, which landed near the Ben Gurion airport, briefly forced its closure, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. In response, Israel struck the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah on Monday, followed by the destruction of the Sanaa airport the next day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that any country or group targeting Israel would be held accountable. “Anyone who attacks Israel bears responsibility for their own blood,” Netanyahu said in a video statement. He also warned that Israel would respond as it saw fit, carefully choosing the time, place, and targets for retaliation.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they targeted the airport’s infrastructure, including runways and aircraft, and claimed the Houthis were using the facility to transfer weapons and operatives. The IDF also attacked power stations in Sanaa, disrupting the electricity supply, and hit the al-Imran cement factory in the northern part of the city.
In retaliation, the Houthis vowed to respond to Israel’s attacks. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a prominent member of the Houthi political body, described Israel’s strikes as “failed terrorism” and pledged further action. “Support for Gaza continues, and the response is coming,” he said, addressing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, warning that he should prepare for his resignation.
The Israeli strikes followed an earlier attack on the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah on Monday, which serves as a critical entry point for Yemen’s food imports. At least four people were killed and 35 others injured in the attack. The Houthis have blamed both the US and Israel for the strike, although a US defense official denied any involvement.
The Israeli attacks on Yemen come amid a broader regional conflict, which includes the Houthis’ missile attacks on Israeli territory. On Sunday, the Houthis launched a missile at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, which injured six people. In retaliation, the Houthis announced their intention to impose a “comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel by targeting its airports.
As the fighting intensifies, the US and Israel continue to target Houthi infrastructure, including ports and power plants, while the Houthis maintain their threats to retaliate against Israeli targets. This ongoing military exchange reflects the escalating nature of the conflict between Israel and the Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump indicated that the US would cease its attacks on the Houthis after a ceasefire agreement was reportedly reached. Trump claimed that the Houthis “capitulated” and would no longer engage in fighting, a claim that was confirmed by Oman’s foreign minister, who posted the details of the ceasefire agreement shortly after Trump’s statement.
The situation remains tense, with no clear end in sight to the conflict. Both Israel and the Houthis appear determined to continue their military operations, with significant implications for regional stability and international shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea. The outcome of these strikes could have lasting effects on both Yemen and Israel, as well as their respective allies.
