Israel urges evacuation of Sanaa airport due to conflict with Houthi militia
Fired Up: Israel Takes Aim at Houthi Strongholds in Yemen
Get the lowdown on the recent escalation of Israel's military actions against the Houthis in Yemen, including the disabling of Sanaa International Airport and strikes on power plants and other facilities.
Turning Up the HeatOn May 6, Israel ramped up its offensive against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, carrying out large-scale airstrikes on key infrastructure. The most notable target was Sanaa International Airport, which was left nearly unusable following the assault. In addition, power plants and other facilities took a hit as well[1][4]. In a rare step, the Israeli military urged civilians to evacuate the area due to the imminent danger[1].
The day prior, on May 5, over 20 Israeli jets hit the Hodeida port and a cement factory in the Bajil district. These strikes were aimed at disrupting Houthi weapons supply routes[2][4]. The aftermath saw a reported one death and 35 injuries, with ambulances rushing to the scene[2][3].
Smoke and MirrorsSocial media footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising over Sanaa, but casualties from the recent strikes remain uncertain[1]. The Houthis, in response, pledged to intensify their attacks on shipping routes and Israel until the conflict in Gaza comes to an end[4]. They also accused Israel and the US of conducting a joint operation—a claim denied by US officials[3][4].
Raising the StakesThe escalation in Yemen marks a significant departure from Israel's previous actions against the Houthis. The latest moves could be seen as retaliation for the group's direct missile hit on Tel Aviv's airport on May 4—an unprecedented attack[3][4]. While the US has separately intensified its own Yemen campaign under Operation Rough Rider since March 15, it has clarified it did not participate in these specific Israeli strikes[3][4].
Footnotes:
[1] Al Jazeera[2] Reuters[3] Associated Press[4] New York Times
- The world news is abuzz with the escalation of Israel's military actions against the Houthis in Yemen, often referred to as war-and-conflicts.
- Politics is heavily involved as Israel steps up its offensive, targeting Houthi strongholds, disrupting their weapons supply routes, and striking facilities like Sanaa International Airport and power plants.
- Eyewitnesses in Yemen reported smoke rising over Sanaa after the recent strikes, but the exact number of casualties remains unclear in the general news.
- The Houthis, in retaliation, have threatened to intensify attacks on shipping routes and Israel until the conflict in Gaza ends. They have also accused Israel and the US of conducting a joint operation, a claim that US officials have denied.
- Pittard, a Yemeni living in Sanaa, was one of the many civilians urged to evacuate the area due to the imminent danger, as the conflict in Yemen has raised stakes in the global political landscape.
