Israeli airstrikes have “fully disabled” the international airport in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa and hit other targets, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday.
The IDF has launched a series of strikes on Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen following the rebel group’s ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday.
”The fighter jets struck and dismantled Houthi terrorist infrastructure at the main airport in Sanaa, fully disabling the airport,” the IDF said. It added that several power stations and a concrete plant were also targeted.
Footage circulating online showed thick black smoke rising over Sanaa.
Tuesday’s strikes killed at least three people and wounded more than 30, according to Houthi-run broadcaster Al Masirah. They came less than 24 hours after Israel bombed the port of Hodeidah, killing one person and injuring dozens.
The broadcaster warned the latest attacks could worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis by disrupting electricity services.
The airstrikes mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between the IDF and the Iran-backed Houthis. On Sunday, a Houthi missile evaded Israel’s air defenses and landed near Ben Gurion Airport, injuring six and briefly disrupting air traffic. It appeared to be the first time a Houthi projectile had reached the area. The attack prompted strong condemnation from Israeli officials.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, calling the strike a response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. They warned of “a comprehensive air blockade” and vowed to “repeatedly target airports,” specifically Ben Gurion.
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Israel strikes ‘dozens of targets’ in Yemen (VIDEOS)
The group, which controls much of western Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah, has launched numerous drones and missiles at Israeli territory and Red Sea shipping over the past year. It says the attacks are in support of Palestinians.
Following Tuesday’s strikes, the Houthis said Israel’s actions “will not go unanswered.”
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