US Airstrikes in Yemen Intensify After Houthi Missile Threat to Israeli Airport
The United States has reportedly escalated its military actions in Yemen, launching a fresh wave of airstrikes following a Houthi claim of responsibility for a missile strike near Israel’s primary international airport on Sunday. The Houthi-controlled state news agency in Yemen has characterized these actions as "American aggression," reporting multiple strikes targeting the capital city of Sanaa on Monday. Reports from New Arab indicate that at least 16 individuals sustained injuries as a result of these strikes.
The US Central Command (USCENTCOM) has been engaged in what a US Defense official described to Fox News Digital as an "intense and sustained campaign" against the Houthi organization in Yemen since March 15. The stated objectives of this campaign are to "restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence" in the region. The official emphasized that the US will continue to intensify pressure on the Houthis and dismantle their capabilities as long as they continue to impede freedom of navigation.
This escalation follows a vow from the Houthis to continue targeting Israeli airports, particularly Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, which serves as Israel’s main international gateway. The Houthis issued a warning to airlines, indicating their intention to carry out "repeated targeting" of the airport. The missile strike on Sunday briefly disrupted flights and commuter traffic at the airport. Prior to the strike, the Houthis had already threatened to impose a "comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel, coinciding with a planned vote by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet to expand military operations in Gaza.
Netanyahu has stated that the US is supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis. He further added that Israel would respond to the Houthis, as well as to their "Iranian terror masters," at a time and place of its choosing.
The US military, under President Donald Trump, has reportedly intensified its campaign of daily airstrikes against the Houthis since March 15. USCENTCOM has stated that its forces have been conducting an "intense and sustained campaign" targeting the Houthi organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence. USCENTCOM asserted that these operations have been executed using detailed and comprehensive intelligence to ensure lethal effects against the Houthis while minimizing risk to civilians.
According to USCENTCOM, the airstrikes have successfully destroyed multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations belonging to the Houthis. While the Houthis have continued to launch attacks on vessels, USCENTCOM claims that its operations have degraded the pace and effectiveness of these attacks. The command further stated that ballistic missile launches have decreased by 69%, and attacks from one-way attack drones have decreased by 55%.
Furthermore, US strikes have reportedly destroyed the ability of Ras Isa Port to accept fuel, which is expected to impact the Houthis’ ability to conduct operations and generate revenue for their activities.
USCENTCOM has emphasized the role of Iran in supporting the Houthis. The command stated that the Houthis can only continue to attack forces with the backing of the Iranian regime.
USCENTCOM has reiterated its commitment to ratcheting up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region.
The Houthis have been firing at Israel since the start of the war against Hamas in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. These actions have elevated the Houthis’ profile as the last member of Iran’s "Axis of Resistance" capable of launching regular attacks on Israel. While most of their missiles have been intercepted, some have penetrated Israel’s missile defense systems, causing damage.
The Israeli military has stated that Sunday’s strike was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the Israel-Hamas war began. Initial findings suggest that a technical issue with the interceptor was the likely cause.
Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, reported that four people were lightly wounded in the blast. Another two people were reportedly hurt while on their way to shelter.
Several international airlines have canceled or postponed flights in response to the escalating tensions. The war with Hamas in Gaza and then Hezbollah in Lebanon had previously led to a wave of airline suspensions to Israel, but many had resumed flights in recent months.
The current situation represents a significant escalation of the conflict in the region and raises concerns about further instability. The ongoing US airstrikes, coupled with the Houthi threats to Israeli airports, could lead to a wider conflict and disrupt international travel and trade. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Iran, which is accused of providing support to the Houthis.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with both sides seemingly committed to their current course of action, the prospects for a quick resolution appear slim. The potential for further escalation and a wider regional conflict remains a significant concern. The article highlights the interplay of various actors, including the US, Israel, the Houthis, and Iran, in a complex and volatile geopolitical landscape. The focus is on military actions, threats, and the stated objectives of each party, contributing to an understanding of the escalating conflict and its potential consequences.
