Israel launched a series of airstrikes on multiple Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday, including the Sanaa International Airport, resulting in at least six fatalities, according to Houthi media reports.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was reportedly preparing to board a plane at the airport when the attacks occurred. Ghebreyesus stated that a crew member on his plane was injured during the incident.
In addition to the airport, the Israeli military confirmed strikes on military infrastructures at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib along Yemen’s west coast. Attacks were also carried out on the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations.
Yemen’s Saba news agency reported that three individuals were killed in the strikes on the airport and another three in Hodeidah, with 40 others wounded across the attacked locations.
In response to the assaults, the Houthi movement announced its readiness to retaliate swiftly, declaring they would “meet escalation with escalation,” as reported by Houthi-run Al Masirah TV.
The Houthis have previously launched drones and missiles toward Israel, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Following the airstrikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint video statement on Thursday, vowing to eliminate Houthi leadership and dismantle their military capabilities.
“We will hunt down all the Houthi leaders and strike them, just as we have done elsewhere,” Katz pledged. “No one will escape Israel’s long arm. We will strike them to eliminate threats against Israel,” he added.
