IDF Reports Successful Interception of Missile from Yemen
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Synopsis
The Israel Defense Forces successfully intercepted a missile fired from Yemen aimed at Israel, prompting sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. No fatalities were reported, though some injuries occurred as residents sought shelter. This interception follows a new alert protocol by the IDF designed to enhance civilian preparedness amid ongoing missile threats.
Key Takeaways
- IDF intercepted missile from Yemen.
- Siren alerts triggered in major cities.
- No fatalities, but minor injuries reported.
- New alert protocol provides advanced warnings.
- Escalating tensions between Houthis and US military.
Jerusalem, April 18 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that they successfully intercepted a missile originating from Yemen aimed at Israel in the early hours of Friday morning.
Siren alerts were triggered in central Israel, including Tel Aviv and occupied Jerusalem, leading millions of residents to seek immediate shelter.
Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported no fatalities, although several individuals suffered minor injuries while attempting to reach safe locations.
This incident occurred just a day after the IDF implemented a new alert system on Thursday.
According to the new protocol, civilians will receive alerts three to five minutes prior to the activation of air raid sirens, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The IDF stated that this preliminary alert could enhance preparedness, giving civilians more time to access shelters and safe rooms amid escalating missile strikes from Houthi forces, following Israel's renewed air and ground operations in Gaza starting March 18.
The Times of Israel reported that since March 18, the Houthis have launched over 20 ballistic missiles and numerous drones at Israel. It noted that half of the Houthi missiles prompted alerts in Israel and were intercepted, while the rest fell short of their targets.
On April 17, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi claimed that his group had conducted 26 attacks against Israel and 33 strikes on the US aircraft carrier and warships in the Red Sea since March 15.
In a televised address broadcast by the group's al-Masirah TV, al-Houthi stated that the assaults on Israel involved 30 ballistic missiles and drones, while those targeting the USS Harry S Truman and its escorts included 122 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones.
Nevertheless, the Israeli military has reportedly intercepted a significant number of Houthi projectiles before they could reach their intended targets. The US Central Command dismissed the Houthi claims of daily attacks on the US aircraft carrier as “outlandish” in a social media post.
Additionally, al-Houthi highlighted that the US military had conducted over 900 airstrikes against his group's positions in northern Yemen over the past month.
Tensions have escalated between the Houthi group and the US military since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15, aiming to deter the group from attacking Israel and US vessels in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, controlling much of northern Yemen, claim their attacks are intended to pressure the US-backed Israel to cease its offensive against the Gaza Strip and facilitate humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
