In a deadly turn of events on Sunday, Israeli warplanes bombed key installations in Sanaa, Yemen's historic capital, killing six civilians and wounding 86 others, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Among the injured are seven children and three women, with 21 in critical condition.
The strikes targeted fuel depots, power stations—including the Asar and Hizaz plants—and parts of the presidential palace complex. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, while state-owned Kan TV reported that 14 warplanes dropped around 40 bombs across the city.
In a statement, the Houthis decried the assault as "brutal aggression" against civilian infrastructure and held both Israel and the United States responsible for what they called a "heinous crime." They vowed to retaliate, escalating a conflict that expanded two days after the Houthis' hypersonic missile strike on Tel Aviv, which caused no fatalities.
Since November 2023, the Houthis—who control much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa and the vital Hodeidah port—have launched repeated attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's recent airstrikes on Houthi-held territory mark a significant escalation of this shadow front, raising concerns about regional stability, energy supply routes and global security.
Reference(s):
Death toll rises to six from Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's capital
cgtn.com