Israel's Military Airstrikes Fully Disable Yemen's International Airport Amid Houthi Conflict

Israel's military announced on Tuesday that it had conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. These strikes targeted the international airport in Sanaa, the capital, rendering it non-operational. The action followed similar attacks by Israel on Monday, which were in response to a Houthi missile strike on Israel's international airport the previous day.

Footage broadcasted on Israeli television depicted thick black smoke billowing over Sanaa's skyline. Social media videos also showed multiple strikes around the city, with smoke rising and explosions echoing against the mountains. The Houthi-controlled SABA news agency reported that three people were killed and 38 injured in the attack, citing health officials.

Israeli Military Response

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, described the strike as a warning to Iran, which he accused of being directly responsible for Houthi attacks on Israel. On Monday, Israeli forces targeted Houthi positions in Yemen's Red Sea province of Hodeida, resulting in at least one death and 35 injuries. The Houthis reported that six strikes hit the vital port of Hodeida and a cement factory in Bajil.

The Houthis launched a missile on Sunday that hit an access road near Israel's main airport close to Tel Aviv. This incident briefly halted flights and commuter traffic, injuring four people slightly. It marked the first time a missile had struck Ben Gurion airport since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023.

International Reactions

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed concern over the escalation of violence. He described the strikes on Israel and Yemen's airport as a "grave escalation" in an already unstable regional situation and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

The Houthis have consistently targeted Israel during the conflict to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. They are considered part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance," capable of launching regular attacks on Israel. Despite most missiles being intercepted by Israel's defense systems, some have caused damage.

US Involvement

Under President Donald Trump, the US military intensified airstrikes against the Houthis starting March 15. However, on Tuesday, President Trump announced an end to further airstrikes, stating that the Houthis had capitulated and no longer wished to fight. "I think that's very positive," he remarked, noting their previous impact on shipping.

Israel has repeatedly targeted Houthi positions in Yemen. In July, it struck Hodeida following a Houthi drone attack that killed one person and injured ten in Tel Aviv. Another strike occurred in September after a missile targeted Ben Gurion airport during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's return to Israel.

In December, Israeli strikes resulted in at least nine deaths in Hodeida. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex geopolitical tensions involving Iran and its allies against Israel and its supporters.

With inputs from PTI