Israel strikes on Yemeni capital Sanaa claims six lives, leaves 86 wounded
Middle East continues to witness escalation of conflict and spillover of Gaza War into Yemen as Israeli forces targeted several civilian infrastructures in a fresh wave of attacks.
On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes struck multiple locations in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, days after Houthi rebels launched a missile toward Israel, marking the first use of cluster munitions by the Houthis since 2023, Arab News reported. The strikes targeted key infrastructure including the Asar and Hizaz power plants—critical for military operations—and a military site near the presidential palace.
The Houthi-run health ministry reported six fatalities and 86 injuries from the attacks. Videos circulating on social media showed a large fireball at an oil company hit during the strikes. Residents near the presidential palace and a military academy described hearing strong explosions and witnessing smoke plumes near central Sabeen Square.
The Israeli military stated the strikes were in response to repeated Houthi attacks, including recent missile and UAV launches toward Israeli territory. On Friday, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion airport; Israeli officials said the missile carried cluster sub-munitions and was intercepted mid-air with no damage reported.
Since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have intensified attacks on Israeli targets and vessels in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including the strategic port of Hodeidah.
Houthi officials reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting Gaza and attacking Israel despite the strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed ongoing air and naval blockades, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Houthis are “paying a heavy price for their aggression.”
Houthi attacks have disrupted Red Sea shipping lanes, vital for global trade worth approximately $1 trillion annually. From late 2023 through 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 commercial and naval vessels. Although a U.S.-brokered deal in May aimed to halt attacks on shipping, the Houthis maintained their stance on targeting Israeli-aligned interests.
In a related incident last month, Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Sanaa airport terminal, damaging several passenger planes and the runway.
