Israeli Airstrikes Target Yemeni Capital, Leaving Four Dead

Israeli airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, as reported by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The strikes occurred against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities linked to the Gaza conflict, during which the Huthis have consistently launched missile and drone attacks on Israel. Images captured by AFP revealed a significant fireball illuminating the night sky over Sanaa, accompanied by a dense column of black smoke.

A spokesperson from the Huthi health ministry confirmed the casualties, stating that four people lost their lives and an additional 67 sustained injuries in the aerial assault, which targeted a central building in Sanaa. Furthermore, the group’s Al-Masirah TV indicated that Israeli strikes also impacted an oil company facility and a power station in southern Sanaa, both of which had been hit previously.

The Israeli military confirmed its operations, stating that it aimed at a military compound housing the presidential palace, along with two power stations and a fuel depot. According to the military, these actions were a direct response to repeated missile attacks by the Huthi regime against Israel and its civilians, notably in the days leading up to the strikes.

A missile fired by the Huthis late on Friday was reported to have “most likely fragmented in mid-air,” although Israeli authorities noted it carried a cluster warhead, marking a significant escalation in missile capabilities from Yemen.

Israeli Leadership Responds

Following the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and army chief Eyal Zamir were seen in a command bunker monitoring the situation. In a statement, Netanyahu asserted that the air force had effectively targeted the presidential palace and key energy facilities in Sanaa. He remarked, “The terrorist Huthi regime is learning the hard way that it will pay — and has paid already — a very high price for its aggression against the State of Israel,” reinforcing his stance on Israel’s military response.

The Huthis, through their political bureau, vowed to retaliate, maintaining their commitment to oppose Israel and its ally, the United States, until what they termed as “aggression” ceases and the blockade on Gaza is lifted.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the Israeli strikes, signaling regional tensions and the international implications of the ongoing conflict.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

The recent escalation is part of a series of retaliatory exchanges that have marked the ongoing conflict since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. The Huthis have consistently claimed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, launching missiles and drones at Israel, most of which have been intercepted. Nevertheless, these attacks have prompted Israeli airstrikes targeting Huthi positions within Yemen.

In a previous operation on August 17, Israel targeted an energy infrastructure site in Sanaa linked to the Huthis, which was reported to have also been affected in the latest strikes. Israeli Defence Minister Katz warned earlier this month that the Huthis would “pay with compound interest for every attempt to fire at Israel.”

In addition to direct attacks on Israel, the Huthis have also threatened vessels they claim are associated with Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, heightening maritime tensions in the region.

As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of these airstrikes extend beyond immediate casualties, reflecting the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East.