In a swift military response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched airstrikes targeting key Houthi infrastructure at Sana’a International Airport, rendering it inoperable.

The strikes followed a recent Houthi attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, prompting Israel to retaliate against what it described as terrorist activity by the Iran-backed group, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The IDF reported that fighter jets hit runways, aircraft, and other strategic facilities at the Sana’a airport, a site believed to be a central hub for transporting weapons and personnel. Officials emphasised that the airport had long been used by the Houthi regime to support its militant operations, echoing similar activity from the Hudaydah Port, which was also targeted by Israel the previous day.

Alongside the airport, IDF aircraft struck several power stations around Sana’a and the Al Imran Concrete Plant north of the city. The power stations were said to be exploited by the Houthi regime for military use, while the concrete facility allegedly supported the construction of underground tunnels and terrorist infrastructure.

These strikes aim to disrupt both the military capabilities and economic resources of the Houthi group. Military officials stated that the operation was meticulously planned and approved by senior IDF leadership, including the Commander of the Israeli Air Force and the Chief of the General Staff. Measures were reportedly taken to minimise harm to civilians and non-military infrastructure.

The IDF accused the Houthis of operating under Iranian guidance, targeting Israel and its allies while destabilising the region and threatening international maritime routes. The Israeli military reaffirmed its commitment to defending its citizens and confronting threats wherever they originate. At least four people were killed and 39 others injured as Israeli airstrikes struck multiple targets across Yemen’s Hodeidah province, according to health officials aligned with the Houthi militant group.

The strikes mark a sharp escalation in tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis, who have intensified their attacks on Israel in recent months. Israel carried out 48 airstrikes across the Red Sea province, hitting key locations including Hodeidah’s port, its airport, a cement factory, and military sites northeast of the city. Residents described widespread destruction to infrastructure and industrial sites. According to Houthi authorities, three civilians were killed and 35 injured when the Israeli military bombed the Al Imran Cement Factory. Another person died and four others were wounded in a separate strike on the port of Hodeidah.

The IDF confirmed the strikes, stating they were launched in direct response to repeated Houthi missile attacks, including a recent strike near Ben Gurion Airport that injured eight people. The IDF said its operations were aimed at disabling Houthi military capabilities. The Houthis claimed the missile attack on Israel was a retaliatory move in response to the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

They also reiterated that their strikes on Israeli targets would cease if Israel ends its operations and lifts the blockade on Gaza. Since November 2023, the Houthis have stepped up attacks on Israel, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to respond forcefully to both the Houthis and their main backer, Iran, following the latest escalation.

By Naila Huseynova

Source: caliber.az