US strikes Yemen after Houthi missile attack on Israel’s Ben-Gurion airport
The United States has reportedly launched a new round of airstrikes in Yemen following the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for a missile that landed near Israel’s main airport on Sunday. The Houthi-controlled state news agency in Yemen reported that “American aggression” was behind several strikes on the capital, Sanaa, on Monday, resulting in at least 16 people being wounded, according to New Arab.
A U.S. Defense official told Fox News Digital on Monday that since March 15, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) has been conducting an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence. The official stated, “We will continue to increase the pressure and further disintegrate Houthi capabilities as long as they continue to impede freedom of navigation.”
Earlier on Monday, the Houthis in Yemen vowed to continue their attacks on Israeli airports after the missile briefly disrupted flights and commuter traffic at Israel’s main international airport near Tel Aviv. The Houthis issued a warning to airlines that they would carry out “repeated targeting” of Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main gateway to the world. The Houthis also threatened to implement “a comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet was set to vote to expand fighting in Gaza.
Netanyahu stated that the U.S. was supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis and added that Israel would respond to the Houthis and their “Iranian terror masters” at a time and place of their choosing. The U.S. military, under President Donald Trump, has been carrying out an intensified campaign of daily airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15.
USCENTCOM has reported that their forces have destroyed multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations of the Houthis. The strikes have significantly reduced ballistic missile launches by 69% and attacks from one-way attack drones by 55%. Additionally, U.S. strikes have impacted the Houthi ability to conduct operations and generate revenue for their activities.
The Houthis have been firing missiles at Israel since the beginning of the war against Hamas in Gaza in October 2023, making them the last member of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” capable of launching regular attacks on Israel. While most of their missiles have been intercepted, some have managed to penetrate Israel’s missile defense systems, causing damage.
The Israeli military reported that Sunday was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the Israel-Hamas war began and attributed the incident to a technical issue with the interceptor. Four people were lightly wounded in the blast, while two others were reportedly injured while seeking shelter.
Multiple international airlines canceled or postponed flights following the missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport. The ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon has led to a suspension of flights to Israel by several airlines, although many have resumed operations in recent months.
In conclusion, the situation in Yemen and its impact on Israel continues to escalate, with the U.S. and Israel taking decisive action against the Houthi rebels. The conflict underscores the complex geopolitics of the region and the ongoing threats faced by Israel from various adversaries.
