Israel launched an aggressive attack Tuesday night, targeting Sanaa International Airport following a missile attack by Houthi fighters in Israel. The Israeli airstrike hit the runway with four missiles, according to the officials.
Khaled al-Shaief airport director confirmed that the strike destroyed Yemenia Airways’ last operational civilian plane for Hajj pilgrims. That aircraft was scheduled to fly passengers to Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage before Israeli warplanes eliminated it.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the attack, calling the airport a hub for Houthi terror targets in the Yemeni capital. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran, calling it the real power behind Houthi actions and ongoing regional destabilization efforts.
Yemen’s Houthi leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, responded by calling the Israeli action a desperate attempt to restore lost deterrence. Earlier this week, Israeli defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled territory toward southern Israel.
The Houthi group confirmed the launches and reiterated their intent to continue pressuring Israel over its military campaign in Gaza. Sanaa airport had only recently resumed limited service accommodating United Nations flights and Yemenia’s last civilian jet.
Previous Israeli strikes had destroyed three other Yemini planes, leaving the airport dependent on temporary repairs to function. Since October 2023, Houthi fighters have repeatedly launched missiles at Israel and attacked Red Sea shipping routes in protest.
