In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel conducted airstrikes on multiple Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least six people. The targets included Sanaa International Airport, key ports along Yemen’s west coast, and critical power stations.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was preparing to board a plane at Sanaa International Airport when the facility came under attack. “A crew member on the plane was injured,” Tedros reported, highlighting the unexpected proximity of international officials to the conflict.
The Israeli military confirmed strikes on military infrastructures at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib, as well as on the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations. Yemen’s Saba news agency detailed that three individuals were killed at the airport and three more in Hodeidah, with an additional 40 people wounded across the affected sites.
In response to the attacks, the Houthi movement declared its readiness to retaliate. “We are prepared to meet escalation with escalation,” stated a spokesperson on the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV network, signaling potential further unrest in the region.
The Houthis have a history of launching drones and missiles toward Israel, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Thursday’s events mark a notable intensification, prompting strong statements from Israeli leadership.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint video statement pledging decisive action against the Houthi group. Katz declared, “We will hunt down all the Houthi leaders and strike them, just as we have done elsewhere. No one will escape Israel’s long arm. We will strike them to eliminate threats against Israel.”
The developments raise concerns about escalating conflict in the Middle East, with implications for international security and humanitarian conditions in Yemen, a nation already beset by years of civil war.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
