Sanaa (Yemen): At least six people were killed and 86 others injured after Israeli forces launched airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, according to Houthi officials. The attacks come amid escalating hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed rebel group, which have intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
Targets and Impact
A Houthi security source told AFP that the strikes hit multiple locations, including a building in central Sanaa, a gas station, and two power plants. Social media footage from the city showed large plumes of smoke and a fireball rising between buildings, with residents heard screaming in panic.
The authenticity of the videos, widely circulated online, has not been independently verified.
IDF Statement
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) described the strikes as retaliatory, saying they were launched in response to repeated missile and drone attacks by the Houthis against Israeli territory in recent days.
According to the IDF, the targets included “military infrastructure” linked to the Houthis, such as fuel storage sites, the presidency palace compound, and the Asar and Hizaz power plants. Israeli officials alleged that the rebels were using civilian infrastructure for military purposes, including power facilities to support operations.
“The strike on the power plants damages the production and supply of electricity for military purposes. The use of these plants constitutes further proof of how the Houthi regime uses civilian infrastructure for military purposes,” the IDF said in a statement.
Background
Tensions between Israel and the Houthis have been rising since October 7, 2023, when the Gaza war broke out. The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel. On Friday, they fired a missile that Israeli authorities said fragmented mid-air before reaching its target.
The latest strikes mark one of the deadliest escalations in Yemen since the conflict spilled beyond Gaza, drawing in regional players and raising fears of further instability in the region.
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