Israeli airstrikes struck Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, targeting multiple sites controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels just days after the group claimed to have launched missiles toward Israel.
According to the Houthi media office, the strikes hit several areas across the city, including a power plant and a gas station. Residents reported powerful explosions near the presidential palace and a closed military academy. Plumes of smoke were also seen rising near Sabeen Square, a central gathering spot in Sanaa.
“The sound of explosions was very strong,” said Hussein Mohamed, who lives near the palace. Another resident, Ahmed al-Mekhlafy, said, “The house was rocked, and the windows were shattered.”
Retaliation After Missile Launch
The airstrikes come two days after the Houthis claimed they had launched newly equipped missiles at Israel, including an attempt to target the country’s largest airport. Israel’s military said the projectile, a cluster munition, fragmented mid-air after several interception attempts, causing no reported injuries or damage.
An Israeli Air Force official described the missile as a “new threat” and said its use of cluster munitions indicated advanced technology supplied by Iran to the Houthis.
Rising Tensions and Red Sea Threats
The Houthis, who say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict, have launched missiles and drones at Israel and targeted shipping in the Red Sea for more than 22 months. Their actions have disrupted global trade along a key maritime route that handles nearly $1 trillion worth of goods annually.
Between November 2023 and December 2024, the rebels attacked more than 100 ships, before halting during a brief ceasefire. In May, the U.S. brokered a deal to stop American airstrikes in exchange for the rebels ending their shipping attacks — though the Houthis insisted their strikes on Israeli-linked targets would continue.
Previous Strikes
Sunday’s attack was the first Israeli strike on Sanaa in a week. In May, Israel carried out a rare daytime airstrike on Sanaa’s airport, destroying its terminal, leaving craters on the runway, and damaging six passenger planes, including three belonging to Yemenia Airways.
While Israel has not officially confirmed Sunday’s operation, the strikes mark another escalation in the shadow war between Israel and Iran-backed militias across the Middle East.
