Israeli Airstrikes Kill Nine in Yemen’s Houthi-Held Capital Amid Drone Retaliation

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 170, according to Yemen’s Huthi authorities. The assaults came a day after the Iran-backed Huthi rebels launched a drone attack on the southern Israeli city of Eilat, which wounded 22 people, including two in serious condition.

Israeli aircraft struck several key Huthi-linked sites across Sanaa, including military camps, security and intelligence compounds, and a detention facility. The strikes resulted in extensive damage to residential neighborhoods and vital infrastructure, with witnesses describing thick plumes of smoke rising from various bombed areas. The Huthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that among the targets was a correctional center housing prisoners, while other buildings suffered severe destruction.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the aerial campaign, describing it as a “powerful blow” to dozens of Huthi operatives and their stockpiles of drones and weaponry. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the strikes hit the Huthi general staff headquarters and multiple military public relations sites responsible for planning assaults on Israel. Katz warned that Israel would continue conducting intensified operations against the Huthi regime in Yemen.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Huthis executed a drone attack on the Red Sea resort city of Eilat. Israeli air defenses failed to intercept the drone in time, resulting in multiple injuries. The Huthi spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed the operation involved multiple drones targeting Israeli installations.

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The ongoing conflict escalated after the Gaza war began in 2023, with the Huthis expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel has since countered by targeting Huthi infrastructure in Yemen, including ports, power stations, and the international airport in Sanaa. In August, Israeli forces assassinated Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, the head of the Huthi government, along with other senior officials.

Earlier this month, Israeli airstrikes killed 46 people in Yemen, including 31 journalists covering the conflict, marking one of the deadliest attacks on media personnel in the region.

Rescue teams continue to search through rubble in Sanaa for victims of the latest airstrikes, and the humanitarian toll on the civilian population remains severe.