Israeli fighter jets conducted a large-scale air strike against the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday, targeting several military sites such as a presidential palace, power stations, and a fuel depot. According to the Israeli army, these installations were utilized by the Houthis for their military activities. The Houthi authorities reported that at least six people were killed and almost 90 injured, including many civilians. This was not the first Israeli operation against the Houthis, but it was one of the heaviest attacks since the opening of the new front.
The retaliation comes after the Houthis fired a missile at Israel on August 22, which was the first time it was equipped with submunitions. Israel sees this as a qualitative escalation and has responded with increased force. Rocket and drone attacks from Yemen have become more frequent in recent months. Yemen analyst Hannah Porter believes these attacks have assumed a new quality, with the Houthis using submunitions in their missiles.
The confrontation began in the fall of 2023, shortly after Hamas terrorist attacks. The Houthis announced they would carry out attacks against Israel in solidarity. Israel responded with air strikes on Houthi targets in Hodeidah, a city already targeted repeatedly by Saudi Arabia. Israel’s actions are part of a broader international military goal to limit Houthi attacks.
The Houthis, or Ansar Allah, have controlled the majority of northern Yemen since 2014. They receive weapon and missile technology support from Iran and use their attacks on Israel to portray themselves as anti-American and anti-Israeli Islamic figures. The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire due to the civil war, with high levels of hunger and malnutrition. This new escalation impacts not only Israel and Yemen but also global trade, as the Houthis have threatened cargo ships in the Bab el-Mandab Strait, leading to increased costs for shipping companies.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/yemen-escalation-in-hostilities-between-israel-and-the-houthis/a-73774765?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
