Sanaa/Jerusalem:
Israel has carried out another airstrike on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport, marking the second such operation this month. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the target was a series of facilities being used by Houthi rebels to launch and coordinate military operations, including the planning of potential attacks against Israeli and allied interests in the region.
According to military sources, the airstrike occurred late in the evening and was a precise operation intended to minimize collateral damage. Satellite imagery reviewed after the strike confirmed structural damage to certain buildings within the airport premises. While the airport has been largely non-operational for commercial flights due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, it remains under the control of Houthi forces and is believed to be a key logistical hub for their operations.
This is the second time in May that Israel has targeted Sanaa. Earlier this month, a similar strike was conducted, following reports that drone and missile activity originating from Houthi-held territory posed a threat to Israeli and international assets in the Red Sea region. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have increased their military presence and have been accused of cooperating with other Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
While no official casualty figures have been released following the most recent strike, local media reports suggest there may have been injuries among Houthi personnel stationed at the facility. Humanitarian groups operating in Yemen have expressed concern over the potential impact of continued strikes on civilian infrastructure, especially given the country’s already dire humanitarian situation.
The Israeli government has maintained that its actions are defensive in nature and are intended to neutralize emerging threats before they materialize into direct attacks. Officials have stated that the Houthis' growing involvement in regional conflicts and their access to advanced weaponry provided by foreign actors necessitate a firm response.
International reactions to the strike have been mixed. While some Western allies have reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense, others have urged restraint, highlighting the fragile situation in Yemen and the need for diplomatic solutions. The United Nations has called for an immediate de-escalation and reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilian infrastructure.
The Houthis have not issued an official response to the latest strike. However, in past incidents, they have vowed retaliation, raising concerns about a potential increase in hostilities in the region.
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the situation remains volatile. The targeting of key infrastructure such as airports suggests a shift in military strategy, aimed at crippling the operational capabilities of non-state actors like the Houthis. Observers warn that unless a diplomatic resolution is pursued, the cycle of strikes and counter-strikes could further destabilize the already war-torn region.
