Israeli airstrikes struck Sana’a International Airport and multiple power stations in Yemen, targeting infrastructure controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in retaliation for their attacks on Israel. The strikes, which killed at least six people and injured dozens, severely damaged the airport’s control tower, runway, and navigation systems, halting all flights.
Power stations in Sana’a and surrounding areas, including Ras Kanatib and Al-Hudaydah, were also hit, causing widespread blackouts. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it aimed to neutralize Houthi military assets used to launch missiles and drones, including a ballistic missile attack on Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport earlier that day.
The airstrikes marked a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against the Houthis, who have intensified attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping since October 2023, in solidarity with Hamas. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, claimed the airport was a civilian facility and accused Israel of targeting humanitarian operations. Israel countered that the airport was used to smuggle Iranian weapons, including precision-guided missiles, and that the strikes were carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties while degrading Houthi capabilities.
The strikes have deepened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, with 24.3 million people already in need of aid amid a decade-long civil war. The airport’s closure has disrupted medical evacuations and aid deliveries, while power outages have crippled hospitals and water systems. The international community, including the United Nations, has called for de-escalation, warning of further civilian suffering. Israel’s actions, supported by U.S. intelligence, follow a pattern of preemptive strikes against Iran’s regional proxies, but analysts warn of the risk of a broader conflict involving Iran and its allies. The situation remains volatile, with the Houthis vowing to continue attacks on Israel, raising fears of prolonged regional instability.