Israel claims strike on Yemen’s main airport in Sanaa

Aden: The Israeli military on Tuesday reported that it had launched strikes targeting Yemen’s main airport, with eyewitnesses describing four explosions in the capital, Sanaa. These actions mark a continued escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Houthi movement.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes followed an earlier warning advising civilians to leave the vicinity of Sanaa International Airport.

This warning came a day after Israeli forces struck Hodeidah port in response to a missile fired by the Houthis that reportedly landed near Israel's primary air hub. A map highlighting the danger zone around the airport was also released as part of the warning.

According to information from three airport officials cited by Reuters, the airstrikes on Tuesday were aimed at multiple locations within Sanaa International Airport, including three civilian aircraft, the departures hall, the runway, and a military airbase controlled by the Houthis, Reuters reported.

The conflict between Israel and the Houthis has been intensifying, as the Yemeni group continues its attacks in reaction to Israel's expanded military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis have indicated plans to enforce a total aerial blockade on Israel, stating their intention to repeatedly target Israeli airports.

The Houthi-controlled health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes around Hodeidah on Monday resulted in four deaths and left 39 others injured. No casualties were immediately reported following Tuesday’s attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged a forceful response after a missile fired by the Houthis landed near Ben Gurion Airport, prompting several European and U.S. airlines to cancel flights.

Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have launched attacks on Israeli territory and maritime routes in the Red Sea, claiming their actions are in support of the Palestinian cause.