Cairo (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Saturday, Israel’s military reported that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, with Houthi forces taking responsibility for the attack. This marks the third such incident by the Iran-aligned group within 24 hours.
The Israeli military reported that sirens sounded in several regions of Israel following the missile launch. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage from the missile barrage.
The Houthi military spokesperson announced the claim of responsibility as U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen intensified.
In March, President Donald Trump authorized extensive airstrikes against the Houthis aimed at diminishing their capabilities and preventing them from attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. These strikes represent the largest U.S. military action in the Middle East since Trump assumed office in January.
What impact did U.S. airstrikes have in Yemen?
Several weeks ago, U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel terminal on the Red Sea coast resulted in the deaths of at least 74 individuals. This incident marks the deadliest strike since the U.S. commenced its bombing campaign against the Houthis last year, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry.
According to initial reports from health ministry spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi, 171 individuals sustained injuries in Thursday’s strikes as rescue teams persist in their search for victims.
According to Yemeni sources, the U.S. military reported that the strikes targeted a key fuel source for the Houthi militant group. They noted that the port not only serves as a major hub for fuel imports but also has a significant military presence.
Among the deceased were workers from Safer Oil Company, which manages the port, and the Yemen Petroleum Company, tasked with supervising the importation and distribution of fuel shipments, the sources indicated.
Are Houthi strikes linked to the Gaza conflict?
The Houthis say their attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping are in solidarity with the Palestinians in the war between Hamas militants and Israel in Gaza. In response to a renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza that began in mid-March, the group committed to broadening its target range in Israel. This escalation follows the collapse of mediated talks aimed at extending the two-month ceasefire.
