IDF Reports Successful Interception of Yemen-Launched Missile
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Jerusalem, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared on Tuesday that it had successfully intercepted a missile launched by Houthi forces in Yemen.
The missile, which was directed towards Tel Aviv, activated air-raid sirens throughout central and southern Israel, compelling millions to seek refuge shortly before 2 a.m. local time (0000 GMT).
According to the IDF's statement, “A projectile launched from Yemen was intercepted before it could enter Israeli territory,” and the sirens sounded as a precaution due to the potential for falling debris from the interception.
The emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported that a woman sustained serious injuries after falling while hurrying to a shelter, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This missile incident occurred just a day after Houthi forces executed a drone assault on Israel, which was also intercepted, per the IDF. The Houthis have intermittently targeted Israel since October in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.
In response, Israel has conducted multiple large-scale airstrikes on Yemen, with the latest one happening on Thursday.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have engaged in rocket and drone strikes on Israeli cities and have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea linked to Israel, demonstrating support for the Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Houthi faction has maintained control over significant portions of Yemen since late 2014, displacing the internationally recognized Yemeni government from the capital, Sanaa.
On Dec 16, forces in Yemen launched another missile targeting central Israel, triggering sirens in Tel Aviv and other locations, as reported by Israel's military.
Israel's air defense systems successfully intercepted the missile, and the military noted that “sirens sounded due to the risk of falling debris from the interception.” Magen David Adom reported that there were no injuries in this instance, and no group claimed responsibility for the attack.
