The Israeli military confirmed it launched airstrikes on Yemen’s main airport in Sanaa on Tuesday, with witnesses reporting four separate strikes in the capital. This marks the latest escalation in hostilities between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Israel had previously issued a warning for people to evacuate the area around Sanaa International Airport, following airstrikes on Hodeidah port a day earlier. These attacks came after a Houthi missile landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, prompting the Israeli response.
The Israeli military cautioned civilians: “Not evacuating puts you in danger,” and issued a map outlining the danger zone around the airport.
According to three sources at the airport, Tuesday’s strikes targeted three civilian airplanes, the departures hall, the runway, and a military air base controlled by the Houthis.
Tensions have been mounting between Israel and the Houthis as the group escalates its attacks in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The Houthis declared on Sunday their intention to impose a “comprehensive” aerial blockade on Israel, vowing to target its airports.
Monday’s Israeli strikes on Hodeidah port resulted in four deaths and 39 injuries, according to the Houthi-run health ministry, though there were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s attacks.
In response to the Houthi missile strike on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate. The missile strike caused European and U.S. airlines to cancel flights to Israel. The Houthis have intensified their missile and naval strikes on Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict, framing their actions as solidarity with the Palestinians.
