JERUSALEM. Israel launched a series of airstrikes on multiple Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen on Thursday, including Sanaa International Airport, resulting in six fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, according to Houthi media reports.
The Israeli military confirmed strikes on the airport and military infrastructure at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib, as well as on power stations in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib. The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency reported that three individuals were killed in the attack on Sanaa airport, with another three fatalities in Hodeidah. The strikes injured at least 40 people, according to the same report.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that he was at Sanaa International Airport when it came under attack.
“As we were about to board our flight from Sanaa … the airport came under aerial bombardment. One of our plane’s crew members was injured,” Tedros stated.
“The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” he added, confirming that he and his colleagues were unharmed.
Following the attacks, the Houthi movement vowed swift retaliation. “We are ready to respond quickly to the attack and meet escalation with escalation,” stated Houthi-run Al Masirah TV.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on Channel 14, indicated that this operation was only the beginning. “We are just getting started with them,” he said. Netanyahu’s government has been bolstered domestically by Israel’s military campaigns against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and strategic actions against Syria.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes “especially alarming,” emphasizing the potential risks to humanitarian operations.
“The airstrikes on Red Sea ports and Sanaa airport pose grave risks to humanitarian operations at a time when millions of people are in need of life-saving assistance,” a U.N. spokesperson said.
Despite the damage, Houthi transport officials announced that both the airport and Hodeidah port would resume normal operations starting Friday.
Israel’s airstrikes follow a year of escalating Houthi attacks, including the recent firing of drones and missiles toward Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Last Saturday, a missile from Yemen landed in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, injuring 14 people, after Israeli defenses failed to intercept it.
Houthi attacks on international shipping routes have disrupted global trade, forcing companies to reroute their ships, and contributing to higher costs and concerns over global inflation.
The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to convene on Monday to address the Houthi attacks and the ongoing escalation, according to Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon.
This incident underscores the growing tension in the region, with both sides preparing for further military actions amid rising humanitarian and global economic concerns.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
