Israel Strikes Yemen's Houthi Targets, Killing Nine, After Missile Targets Central Israel

Dec 19, 2024, 01:13 PM

Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah, killing at least nine people, according to Houthi-controlled media. The strikes were in response to a missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels that targeted central Israel and was intercepted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the Houthis would "learn the hard way that anyone who attacks Israel pays a very heavy price," calling them "almost the last arm remaining of Iran's axis of evil." The Israeli Defense Forces reported that 14 fighter jets, supported by refuelers and spy planes, conducted the operation after approval from Defense Minister Israel Katz. The jets flew approximately 2,000 kilometers and dropped over 60 bombs on Houthi military targets along Yemen's western coast and inland, including fuel depots, power stations, eight tugboats, and ports. The IDF released footage showing the airstrikes and preparation of the fighter jets. This marks an escalation in the conflict, as the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Israel with missiles and drones.