Houthis from Yemen Announce Ballistic Missile Strike on Central Israel
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Synopsis
On March 22, Yemen's Houthi group claimed to have launched a ballistic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, with the Israeli military stating it was intercepted. This marked the third operation against Israel in less than 48 hours, with the Houthis also claiming attacks on US naval forces.
Key Takeaways
- Houthis claimed missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport.
- Israeli military intercepted the missile.
- Warning issued about airport safety.
- Ongoing tensions with US military.
- Conflict in Yemen affecting regional stability.
Sanaa, March 22 (NationPress) The Houthi faction from Yemen announced on Saturday that it had executed a ballistic missile strike targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, an action that the Israeli military stated was intercepted late on Friday.
"In solidarity with the Palestinian people, we directed a hypersonic ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport," a military spokesperson for the Houthis declared during a statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV.
The spokesperson characterized this assault as the third operation against Israel within a 48-hour period and cautioned airlines that the airport has now become unsafe. "It will remain perilous until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted," he remarked.
On Friday, the Houthis had already claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on southern Tel Aviv, according to a televised declaration by a Houthi military spokesperson.
Additionally, the Houthis reported executing a sixth attack on US naval forces in the northern Red Sea since March 15, deploying several drones against warships accompanying the USS Harry S. Truman.
"In recent hours, the American adversary has conducted multiple air raids across various provinces in a failed effort to hinder our support for the oppressed Palestinian populace in Gaza," the spokesperson stated, as reported by Xinhua news agency. No casualties have been reported.
In retaliation, the US military has recommenced air strikes on Houthi positions, asserting that its operations are intended to safeguard international shipping. This latest wave of US airstrikes has reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, according to health authorities affiliated with the Houthis.
The Houthis, who govern a significant portion of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have been engaged in conflict against the internationally-recognized government. Since the outbreak of civil war in 2014, the group has controlled an extensive area of the country, including the strategic Hodeidah port and the capital Sanaa.
Strained relations between the Houthis and the US military have intensified following Washington's initiation of additional airstrikes on Yemen on March 15. These strikes followed Houthi warnings to renew attacks on Israeli targets unless humanitarian aid is permitted into Gaza.
