Did a Houthi Drone Attack Leave 20 Injured in Israel's Eilat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A drone attack from Yemen targeted Eilat, injuring 20.
- Two victims are in serious condition, highlighting the severity of the attack.
- Houthi group claims responsibility for the incident.
- Israel's air defense system attempted to intercept the drone but failed.
- This attack occurred during the Jewish New Year, a busy tourist season.
Jerusalem, Sep 25 (NationPress) A drone originating from Yemen targeted the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat, resulting in injuries to at least 20 individuals, with two suffering severe trauma, as reported by Israel's emergency medical services and military.
On Wednesday evening (local time), Israel's national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, indicated that the two critically injured victims, both in their 60s, sustained significant limb injuries. Another man was moderately hurt by shrapnel impacting his upper body, while the other victims experienced lighter injuries, primarily from shrapnel and bruising.
The drone detonated in the city center, in a tourist area close to the Club Hotel, a prominent beachfront establishment, according to the state-owned broadcaster Kan. Reports indicate that Israel's air defense system made two attempts to intercept the drone but was unsuccessful.
This attack occurred during Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, a time when Eilat is typically bustling with Israeli tourists, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
The Houthi faction, which governs much of northern Yemen, has consistently targeted Eilat with drones and missiles since the onset of Israel's conflict in Gaza. Just last week, a drone struck the entryway of a hotel in Eilat, yielding property damage but no casualties.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the drone strike.
Military spokesman Yahya Sarea indicated in a statement on X that the group deployed two drones before sunset, aiming at a site in Eilat.
He mentioned that this operation was the second in under 24 hours, following multiple drone launches targeting Eilat and the city of Beer Sheva on Tuesday.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, with the latest occurring last week against military assets in the port city of Hodeida. Last month, an Israeli airstrike in the Yemeni capital Sanaa resulted in the death of the Houthi government’s prime minister and several high-ranking officials. Israel characterized that strike as the beginning of a broader initiative against the group's leadership.