Yemen’s Houthi movement announced on Friday that it launched drone attacks targeting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated on Houthi-run al-Masirah TV that two drones were used in what he described as a “qualitative military operation” against “two Israeli military targets in Tel Aviv.”
“We affirm that confronting the ongoing American aggression against our country will not prevent us from continuing to fulfill our duty towards Gaza,” Sarea added, indicating support for the Palestinian people.
Israeli media reported that a drone originating from Yemen was intercepted near the Dead Sea within Jordanian airspace before reaching Israeli territory. The Jordanian army later confirmed that an unidentified drone had entered Jordanian airspace and crashed in the Ma’in area of Madaba governorate, near the Dead Sea, with no casualties reported.
The Houthis have intensified their actions since Israel renewed its intensive operations in Gaza, launching attacks against Israeli and U.S. targets in solidarity with Palestinians. Earlier, the Houthi forces claimed to have attacked the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and other U.S. vessels in the northern Red Sea.
In response, the U.S. Central Command stated that the strike group continues “non-stop 24/7 operations against the Houthis despite the Houthis’ outlandish claims.”
The situation has led to increased U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. Houthi media reported that since early Friday, the U.S. has conducted around 30 airstrikes on locations in eastern and southern Sanaa, as well as in the provinces of Marib and Hodeidah.
Residents in Sanaa reported hearing loud jets and explosions as airstrikes hit areas on the outskirts of the capital. “All that we hear is the sound of a speeding missile less than a second before it hits and explodes, then we hear the sound of fighter jets in full throttle,” a resident named Mohamed told reporters.
The escalating conflict underscores the complex dynamics in the Middle East, where regional powers and local groups are increasingly drawn into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Houthis have stated that they would halt their attacks if Israel ceases its operations in Gaza and allows essential food and medicine to enter the region.
