Israel Launches Airstrikes Across Yemen During Houthi Leader’s Speech

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck targets across Yemen on Thursday during a speech by Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi, hitting the international airport in the port city of Hodeidah and the inland capital Sanaa.

wave of attack The attack was the fourth since July and comes after Houthi rebels launched several ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel in the past few days, including on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Official estimates of damage and casualties have not yet been reported, and the IAF has not yet claimed formal responsibility for the airstrike, although Israel has said for several days that it would step up attacks, also targeting Houthi leaders. .

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels continue to attack Israel even after other Iranian proxies cease to exist, whether through near-annihilation (Hamas), ceasefires (Hezbollah), or apparent demoralization (Iraqi militias) continues to do so.

Israel may have targeted the international airport to prevent the transfer of arms and personnel from Iran to Yemen, one of the world's poorest countries and without the funds or know-how to launch missiles on its own. be.

Thursday's airstrike may not be a one-off, with Israel calling it the beginning of a long campaign to neutralize the Houthis' ability to launch missiles into Israeli population centers and threaten international shipping in the Red Sea. There is a possibility that it will happen.