Israeli jets hit Houthi planes in Yemen

Jerusalem

Israeli warplanes bombed Sanaa’s main airport in Yemen on Wednesday, targeting planes belonging to the Houthi forces. Israel said this strike destroyed the last aircraft used by the Houthis. The attack was part of “Operation Golden Jewel,” a campaign to stop further Houthi attacks on Israel.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “Whoever fires at Israel will pay a heavy price.” He added that Israel will continue attacking Yemeni ports and infrastructure used by the Houthis. “The airport in Sanaa will be destroyed again and again,” Katz warned. He also mentioned a possible naval and air blockade of the Houthis.

Khaled al-Shaief, a Houthi official, confirmed that a Yemenia Airlines plane at the airport was destroyed in the airstrike. He posted a photo online showing fire and smoke rising from the damaged aircraft.

In the past two weeks, the Houthis have fired seven ballistic missiles and several drones at Israel. Most of them were shot down, and there were no serious injuries or major damage, according to Israel's Army Radio.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, began targeting Israel in November 2023. They say they are doing so to support Palestinians. They have offered to stop if Israel ends its operations and blockade in Gaza.

Israel has previously bombed Sanaa’s airport, including a strike two weeks ago that left the airport unusable. This ongoing conflict continues to raise regional tensions in the Middle East.