The Israeli Air Force bombarded the international airport in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, as well as several key energy facilities.
The Israeli aviation completely destroyed the main passenger terminal and technical facilities of the Sanaa International Airport. In addition, energy facilities located in various districts of the capital — the "Dahban" central power station in the Bani al-Haris district, the "Haziz" station to the south of Sanaa, and the "Asr" power station in the Maiyn district were also subjected to air strikes.
A strike was also reported on a cement plant located in the Amran province.
Before the attack, the Israeli army urged civilians to immediately leave the airport area. The army official Avichay Adraee issued a warning on social media:
«Leave the airport area immediately, staying could be dangerous for your life».
Israeli officials emphasize that the Houthis had been using Sanaa airport for transporting weapons and militants, and this object was destroyed for being "used for military purposes"”.
This attack was carried out in response to a rocket attack by the Houthis on the Ben Gurion international airport near Tel Aviv on May 5. The rocket was not intercepted by the Israeli air defense system and caused significant craters around the airport.
On May 5, the Houthis announced a complete air blockade against Israel, promising to regularly target its airports.
In addition, on May 6, Israeli forces targeted the Hodeidah sea port. The attack resulted in 4 deaths and 39 injuries. According to Reuters sources, 70% of the port’s docks, warehouses, and customs areas were damaged. This port is considered the main passageway for 80% of Yemen's food imports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the attacks will continue incrementally. Although no casualties have been reported from Houthi attacks so far, Israel has decided to maintain its stance to ensure security in the region.
Recent reports suggest that in the coming days, the Houthis plan to escalate their attacks on Israel's airports to halt air traffic. This was reported by Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper, citing military sources in Sanaa. According to the source, within the framework of a "maximum pressure" policy against Israel due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis plan to include many important facilities in Haifa city in their list of attack targets as well to include.
Abdullah Sayyid
