Did Yemen's Houthis Really Target Israel's Airport with Missiles?

Synopsis
Yemen's Houthi group claims responsibility for missile strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, raising tensions in the region. This incident is a response to Israeli attacks on Houthi-controlled ports. With ongoing conflicts, the repercussions are significant. Discover the latest developments in this escalating situation.
Key Takeaways
- Houthi group claims missile attacks on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.
- Missile defense systems reportedly failed to intercept one of the missiles.
- The strikes are a response to Israeli military actions against Yemeni ports.
- No casualties reported from the attacks.
- Escalation in Israel-Hamas conflict impacts regional security.
Sanaa, June 11 (NationPress) The Houthi movement from Yemen has taken responsibility for launching two missile assaults targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.
Yahya Sarea, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, stated, "We aimed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv with two ballistic missiles, including one hypersonic missile." This declaration was broadcasted by the Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV.
According to Sarea, "One missile struck Ben Gurion Airport directly, and the missile defense systems failed to intercept it." He further emphasized, "Our prohibition on air traffic to and from Ben Gurion Airport remains enforced, and we caution all airline companies to cease their flights immediately."
Sarea asserted that these missile strikes were made as a response to Israel's military aggression against the Houthi-controlled ports in Hodeidah, Yemen.
On the other hand, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that their air defense systems likely intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen over central Israel. However, the IDF did not address the second missile strike claimed by the Houthis, and no injuries were reported.
Earlier, the Israeli military executed airstrikes on three ports located in Yemen's Hodeidah province, which are under Houthi control. These strikes resulted in the destruction of facilities and docks, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing Houthi television.
The IDF confirmed that these actions were a direct response to the Houthi missile attacks on Israel.
The Houthi-controlled ports in Hodeidah have seen multiple strikes from the Israeli military over the past few months.
The Houthi group, which governs a significant portion of northern Yemen, has been targeting Israeli interests and vessels since November 2023, in a show of support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.