In brief
A series of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have resulted in the deaths of at least 35 individuals, according to reports from the Houthi health ministry. The Israeli military defended the attacks as necessary responses to ongoing missile and drone threats from the Houthis, but the Houthis claim the strikes targeted civilian facilities, including media offices and medical stations. The strikes come amid escalating tensions in the region following Hamas's conflict with Israel.
At least 35 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Wednesday, according to the Iran-backed group's health ministry.
The Israeli military stated that it struck military targets in the capital Sanaa and al-Jawf province, including what it classified as the Houthis' military public relations headquarters, in retaliation to recent missile and drone attacks directed at Israel.
However, the Houthis' military spokesman said that the strikes damaged civilian infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of journalists and bystanders at two newspaper offices.
In a further escalation, the Israeli military announced the interception of a missile launched from Yemen in the early hours following the airstrikes.
The Houthis refrained from commenting on the missile launch but asserted that they would respond decisively to the Israeli strikes.
This recent bombardment follows a prior Israeli strike that took the life of the Houthi-run government’s prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, as well as other officials.
Videos shared online depicted plumes of black smoke rising from various explosions in Sanaa, with responders working through the debris of damaged buildings.
The Israel Defense Forces detailed in a statement that the aircraft targeted various military installations, alongside a propaganda dissemination department linked to the Houthis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the commitment to countering any attacks, emphasizing ongoing military engagements against Houthi positions.
With escalating hostilities, the Houthis, who control significant portions of northwestern Yemen, claim retaliation will be forthcoming, raising alarms about further conflict in the region.
