The situation in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, has taken a dire turn after Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on the city, causing a huge fireball.
The attacks targeted areas near the presidential palace and an oil depot, further escalating tensions in the region.
According to reports, the strikes hit Sanaa International Airport and three ports along the western coast, including the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib.
The Israeli military said the strikes were aimed at targets linked to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, including the airport and power stations.
The attack on the airport damaged the control tower, departure lounge, and runway, with at least two people reported killed and several others wounded.
The World Health Organization’s head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, narrowly escaped injury as the airport came under bombardment while he was preparing to board a plane.
The airstrikes are a response to previous Houthi attacks on Israel, including a ballistic missile and two drones fired towards Israel.
The Houthis have vowed to retaliate against Israel for the attack, with Yemeni journalist Hussain al-Bukhaiti stating that the group will treat all Israeli attacks as an escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the strikes on Yemen will continue “until the job is done”.
The situation in Yemen remains precarious, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The country’s infrastructure has been severely damaged, and there are fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Key Developments
- Airstrikes on Sanaa: Israeli warplanes launch attacks on Yemen’s capital, causing a huge fireball and damaging the airport and power stations.
- Houthi Retaliation: The Houthi rebels vow to retaliate against Israel for the attack, escalating tensions in the region.
- Humanitarian Concerns: The conflict raises concerns about the humanitarian impact, with fears of a worsening crisis in Yemen.