Israel announced it had targeted Houthi positions, including destroying the last remaining plane operated by the group at Sanaa International Airport, following missile launches by Yemeni militants toward Israel a day earlier.
Khaled al-Shaief, General Director of Sanaa International Airport, confirmed via his X account that the strike completely destroyed the final civilian aircraft operated by Yemenia Airways at the airport.
The airport, Yemen’s largest, had recently resumed operations after temporary repairs and runway restoration caused by previous Israeli strikes. It was primarily used by UN aircraft and the plane destroyed in the latest attack. Earlier this month, three other Yemenia Airways planes were also destroyed in Israeli strikes.
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Israel’s defense ministry issued a statement saying, “This is a clear message and a direct continuation of the policy we have established: whoever fires at the State of Israel will pay a heavy price.”
The Houthis have yet to respond to requests for comment.
Aligned with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis control regions home to about 60% of Yemen’s population. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the group has launched attacks against Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians.
Most missiles and drones fired toward Israel have been intercepted or fallen short. In response, Israel has conducted multiple retaliatory strikes.
The United States also escalated strikes against the Houthis earlier this year but paused the campaign after the Houthis agreed to halt attacks on US vessels.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that any aggression against Israel would be met with stronger retaliation. He further emphasized, “The Houthis are only the symptom. The main driving force behind them is Iran, which is responsible for the aggression emanating from Yemen.”
