In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least six people, according to Houthi media reports.
The strikes targeted key infrastructure linked to the Houthi movement, including the Sanaa International Airport and military facilities at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib along Yemen’s west coast. Power stations in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib were also hit, causing widespread disruptions.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was reportedly at the Sanaa airport preparing to board a plane when the attack occurred. “A crew member on the plane was injured,” Tedros stated, underscoring the unexpected nature of the assault.
Yemen’s Saba news agency reported that three people were killed in the strikes on the airport, with an additional three fatalities in Hodeidah. At least 40 others were wounded across the targeted locations, intensifying concerns over civilian safety in the conflict zones.
In a swift response, the Houthi movement declared its readiness to retaliate. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV quoted the group as stating they would “meet escalation with escalation,” signaling a potential increase in hostilities.
The Houthis have consistently expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, frequently launching drones and missiles toward Israel. These actions have heightened tensions and drawn international attention to the multifaceted conflicts in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint video statement shortly after the airstrikes, vowing to dismantle the Houthi’s military capabilities. “We will hunt down all the Houthi leaders and strike them, just as we have done elsewhere,” Katz declared. “No one will escape Israel’s long arm. We will strike them to eliminate threats against Israel,” he added, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to national security.
The recent developments mark a critical juncture in Middle Eastern affairs, with potential implications for international relations and regional stability. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as both sides brace for possible further escalations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
