Did Israel Successfully Intercept a Drone from Yemen Targeting Eilat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israel intercepted a drone from Yemen aimed at Eilat.
- Houthi forces have been launching attacks in solidarity with Palestinians.
- No injuries or damages reported from the interception.
- Israel retaliated with strikes on Yemeni infrastructure.
- Ongoing tensions continue to pose risks in the region.
Jerusalem, July 15 (NationPress) - On Tuesday, Israel announced that it successfully intercepted a drone launched by Houthi forces from Yemen, aimed at the Red Sea city of Eilat.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) reported, "A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was intercepted after being launched from Yemen," in an official statement.
Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported, and the Houthis have yet to provide a comment.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, Houthi forces have fired numerous missiles and drones towards Israel, in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Most of these projectiles have been intercepted or failed to hit their intended targets.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted several airstrikes targeting ports and other infrastructure in Yemen, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
On July 10, a spokesperson for the Houthi military claimed that a ballistic missile was launched towards Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israeli defense systems.
Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesperson, stated in a broadcast by Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV that the attack achieved its objective.
This strike was framed as a response to the ongoing Israeli military operations against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. Sarea vowed that the group would persist in launching ballistic missiles towards Israel and Israeli-affiliated vessels in the Red Sea until what he termed the "Israeli aggression on Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted."
On the same day, the Israeli military confirmed it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards Israel, following air raid sirens heard in multiple locations, including Tel Aviv.
The Magen David Adom ambulance service in Israel reported no injuries from the incident.
Earlier, on July 8, the Houthi armed forces reiterated their commitment to maritime security, asserting their intention to ensure the freedom of navigation for all vessels, except those associated with Israel or supporting military actions in Gaza.