Loading Now

Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile Amid Escalating Regional Conflict

The Israeli military intercepted a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking the second attack since the Gaza ceasefire ended. The Houthis claimed the missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport was in support of Palestinians, amid ongoing US military strikes in Yemen. Escalating tensions hint at further repercussions in the region and global trade.

Early on Thursday morning, the Israeli military successfully intercepted a missile launched by the Houthi rebels from Yemen. This incident marks the second missile targeting Israel following the recent ceasefire in Gaza, which ended Tuesday. The Houthi group, supported by Iran, claimed the missile was fired in solidarity with the Palestinians in response to Israel’s aggressive actions in Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the missile was intercepted before it could reach Israeli territory, and there were no immediate reports of injuries from Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA).

Sirens were activated across various locations, including in major cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Houthi rebels specifically asserted that their missile was aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport, located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. Additionally, they claimed to have targeted the USS Harry Truman and multiple US warships in the Red Sea using a combination of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, in retaliation against recent US airstrikes in Yemen.

These missile launches occurred concurrently with US military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, which occurred on Wednesday and into Thursday. Following these strikes, President Donald Trump issued a warning via his Truth Social platform, stating that the Houthis “will be completely annihilated.” The Houthis have pledged to persist with assaults on US and Israeli interests until the violence in Gaza concludes.

Reports indicate that recent US military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 50 individuals, with nearly 100 wounded in Yemen, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry via Al-Masirah TV. Wednesday’s strikes in Sanaa resulted in injuries to several civilians, including women and children. US operations have also targeted the provinces of Al-Jawf, Hodeidah, and Saada during this violent exchange.

Footage from Al-Masirah depicts severe destruction in Yemen, showing emergency teams responding to fires, damaged buildings, and wounded individuals, including children. The US Central Command has not disclosed specific targets within Yemen but confirmed its continued operations against the Iran-backed Houthis. Since late 2023, the Houthis have initiated drone and missile attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea, claiming these actions are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, significantly affecting global trade. Following a ceasefire in January, these attacks had temporarily ceased, but hostilities have resumed.

In conclusion, the recent missile interception by the Israeli military exemplifies the escalating tension in the region, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi rebels. The situation remains fluid as retaliatory actions continue from both US forces and the Houthis, who have vowed to maintain pressure on Israeli and American interests until peace is achieved in Gaza. The ramifications of these events are substantial, affecting not only regional stability but also global trade routes.

Original Source: edition.cnn.com

Post Comment