Yemeni Houthi Rebels Threaten Retaliation Following Israeli Airstrikes in Sanaa; Israeli Military Affirms Disabling of Civilian Facility Including a Concrete Factory and Power Stations
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Yemen's Houthi rebels have vowed a response to the latest Israeli strikes, which hit Sanaa and the main international airport, leaving three dead and 35 injured. As tensions escalate, the Houthis have labeled the attacks as proof of Israel's "shamelessness" and a blatant attempt to impose a blockade on the Yemeni people.
Tuesday's assault also targeted a concrete factory and several power stations near the rebel-held capital. Israel claims these strikes were retaliation for Sunday's ballistic missile strike near Tel Aviv's bustling Ben Gurion Airport. In a statement, the Israeli military claimed the airport was a central hub for the Houthi militants to transfer weapons and personnel.
The Houthis, however, have accused Israel of pure vandalism, arguing that Sanaa International Airport is under severe restrictions and sanctions. An expert from Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar argues that the airport isn't a strategic target, and Israeli claims that it's being used to receive Iranian supplies are baseless. The professor also warns that such attacks will only exacerbate the hardships of the Yemeni people by hindering the operations of international organizations and humanitarian agencies in one of the world's poorest nations.
Footage shows massive clouds of smoke rising over Sanaa following the airport attack. Earlier, reports revealed that a cement factory and a power station in Bani al-Harith area were also hit.
This latest round of escalation comes less than 24 hours after Israel bombed the key Hodeidah port, leaving one dead and 35 wounded. The Houthi media office reported that at least six strikes hit Hodeidah Port, with others targeting a cement factory in Bajil. Israeli forces claim the factory is an economic resource for the Houthis and a facilitator of their military infrastructure.
Since 2023, the Houthis have carried out over 100 drone and missile attacks targeting vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The group asserts these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza and will cease only when there is a permanent truce in the enclave. The Houthis temporarily halted their attacks during a fragile ceasefire in Gaza this year but resumed operations after Israel cut off humanitarian aid and intensified its military actions in March.
The United States military, under President Trump, has intensified air strikes on war-torn Yemen since March 2023. Over the years, Israel has repeatedly struck Yemen, resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians, including women and children.
- The breaking news about the latest Israeli strikes in Yemen has sparked strong opinions, with the Yemeni Houthis labeling it as a shameless attempt at imposing a blockade, while Israel claims it was retaliation for Sunday's missile strike.
- Tuesday's assault on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport and other facilities, such as a concrete factory and several power stations, has been criticized by experts as pure vandalism that will exacerbate the hardships of the Yemeni people.
- In the realm of war-and-conflicts and politics, the Houthis' vow of a response to the Israeli strikes and their ongoing drone and missile attacks against vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea are signs of escalating tensions.
- Since implementing a fragile ceasefire in Gaza this year, the Houthis have resumed their operations after Israel cut off humanitarian aid and intensified its military actions, a move that experts argue may hamper the operations of international organizations and humanitarian agencies in one of the world's poorest nations.
- In the general news, the United States military, under President Trump, has intensified air strikes on war-torn Yemen since March 2023, resulting in numerous civilian deaths, including women and children, and causing worldwide concern about the humanitarian crisis in the country.
