In brief
Israeli fighter jets conducted a significant airstrike on Yemen’s main international airport in Sana, following recent missile attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia aimed at Israel.
Israeli fighter jets bombed the main international airport in Sana, Yemen, as tensions escalate following a Houthi missile strike near Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport that left six injured. This recent airstrike represents a critical response in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis, who have claimed their attacks are to express solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Gaza war. The extent of the damage at Sana’s airport remains unclear. This vital hub serves over 20 million people in Houthi-controlled regions, linking them to global travel routes. Prior to the strike, the Israeli military had warned civilians in the area to evacuate. Just two days earlier, Houthi forces managed to launch a ballistic missile that landed near Tel Aviv, prompting numerous airline cancellations and a vow of retaliation from Israel.In a swift escalation, Israeli jets also targeted the port of Hudaydah, killing at least four individuals and injuring over 30 according to Houthi health officials. Following the missile event, the Houthis announced an “air blockade” on Israel, pledging to continue strikes against Israeli airports. The ongoing clashes underscore the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region as both sides draw closer to a broader conflict.Aaron Boxerman reports from Jerusalem, while Vivian Nereim covers the Arabian Peninsula from Riyadh.
