Official announcements from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or credible news sources

Israel Intercepts Houthi Ballistic Missile with THAAD System; 18 Injured in Shelter Rush

Dec 27, 2024, 02:38 PM

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that a ballistic missile launched from Yemen was intercepted early Friday morning before it could enter Israeli territory. Sirens were activated across central Israel, including areas like Tel Aviv, prompting residents to seek shelter. Emergency services reported that 18 individuals sustained injuries while rushing to safety, though none were directly harmed by the missile interception. The interception was notably carried out by the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, marking its first operational use since being deployed to Israel in October. An American soldier on the ground expressed anticipation for this moment, stating, '18 years I've been waiting for this.' The missile was reportedly a medium-range ballistic missile fired by Houthi forces, and the IDF confirmed that both the THAAD and Israeli Arrow systems were involved in the interception.