Sanaa, Yemen — The Israeli military has claimed it has rendered Yemen’s primary airport in Sanaa inoperative following a series of targeted airstrikes. Casualty reports indicate that at least three individuals were killed in the attacks, which struck civilian aircraft, the airport’s departure terminal, and essential infrastructure on-site, according to airport sources.
The Houthi movement, which governs the area, reported the complete destruction of the airport and expressed intentions to retaliate. This escalation follows a missile launched by the Houthis that landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, causing a temporary closure. In response, Israel initiated operations targeting the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah before moving on to Sanaa.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that any entity engaging in actions against Israel would face consequences. In a video address, he underscored the strategic nature of Israel’s military responses, asserting that all decisions are made with careful consideration of their implications.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a senior leader within the Houthis, characterized the Israeli strikes as inadequate and referred to them as “failed terrorism.” He vowed that support for Gaza remains steadfast and warned that Netanyahu should prepare for potential repercussions, including calls for his resignation.
The Israeli Defense Forces reported that their attacks specifically targeted military capabilities, alleging that the Houthis had used the airport to facilitate arms transfers. Along with the strikes at Sanaa airport, Israeli forces also targeted power infrastructure in the capital and a cement factory in the city’s northern region.
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a cessation of American attacks against the Houthis, which he attributed to the group’s willingness to cease hostilities. This move was welcomed by the Omani foreign minister, who stated that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, aimed at ensuring safe navigation and the uninterrupted flow of commercial shipping in the waters surrounding Yemen.
These recent Israeli airstrikes follow previous military operations, including strikes against Hudaydah, Yemen’s second-largest port and a critical lifeline for food imports. Reports have indicated that Monday’s assault resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to dozens more, with accountability for the strike often shifted between the U.S. and Israel by Houthi leadership, despite U.S. officials denying involvement.
The missile that the Houthis launched towards Ben Gurion Airport resulted in injuries to six individuals, highlighting the ongoing tension and the potential for escalation in military confrontations. The Houthis have vowed to impose an aerial blockade on Israel in retaliation, signaling a threat to additional airports and military assets in the region as tensions continue to mount.
Israel has previously engaged in airstrikes against Houthi facilities, activating its military strategy aimed at curtailing alleged threats to its security. The persistent conflict reflects broader regional tensions influenced by various international actors and the ongoing strife in Gaza, suggesting that further military actions could be on the horizon.