Israel conducted a second airstrike in under a week against Houthi targets in Sanaa, Yemen, on Thursday, escalating the Israel Houthi conflict following the interception of two drones from the region.
Details on IDF Strikes in Sanaa Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the Thursday attack was launched after Israeli systems intercepted two drones originating from Yemen. The strike occurred during a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi, which continued without interruption.
This marks the second Israeli attack on the capital in less than a week. A previous strike on Sunday killed six people and wounded 86 others, according to a Houthi Health Ministry spokesperson.
The Escalating Israel Houthi Conflict
The conflict has been ongoing for nearly two years, with the Houthis threatening to strike Israel days after the October 7 Hamas massacre. The group has continued its Houthi attacks on Israel for Gaza in what it describes as solidarity with the Palestinians.
On August 22, the organization claimed it had fired a ballistic missile at Israel. Israel has previously responded by attacking Houthi-controlled areas, including the key port of Hodeidah.
Iran-Backed Houthi Threat to Stability
The IDF stated the Houthis are operating under Iran’s direction to harm Israel and its allies. Israel accuses the Iran-backed Houthi threat of undermining regional stability and disrupting global freedom of navigation.
Within weeks of the October 7 attacks, the Houthis launched missiles and drones toward Israel. These were intercepted by U.S. forces aboard the U.S.S. Carney.
Israel Katz Issues Direct Warning to Houthis
Following the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning. “As we warned the Houthis in Yemen: ‘After the plague of darkness comes the plague of death,’” Katz stated.
He added a direct threat to the Iran-backed group. “Whoever raises a hand against Israel, their hand will be cut off,” he said.
