Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthis in Yemen; WHO Leader's Close Call

The Associated Press

Smoke ascended over Sanaa International Airport in Yemen after Israeli military aggression struck the location on Thursday, targeting Houthi-operated facilities near the airport, in addition to several ports and energy plants.

In Jerusalem, officials confirmed that a pattern of air raids was executed against the Houthi-controlled capital and ports in Yemen. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was nearby during the attacks, preparing for departure from Sanaa, with reports of an injury to a crew member.

Tedros reported on social media platform X that crucial airport facilities like the tower, lounge, and runway were compromised during the assault. Although unharmed, Tedros stated that flight departures would be delayed until repairs could be made.

U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later clarified that the injured party was involved with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. The Israeli airstrikes were in retaliation following Houthi missile launches towards Israel.

The Israeli military disclosed that the infrastructure attacked was used by the Iranian-backed Houthis for arms smuggling and receiving high-ranking Iranian officials, affecting locations such as Sanaa Airport and ports like Hodeida and Al-Salif.

Israel's defense forces emphasized their capability for distant and powerful precision strikes, albeit without a direct response to Tedros’ revelations about the bombardment.

These operations, occurring over 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, coincided with Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks indicating that entities like the Houthis would soon realize the repercussions experienced by groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Iran's foreign ministry strongly criticized these actions, whereas the U.S. military has also been actively targeting the Houthis. Furthermore, the United Nations underscored the importance of the targeted ports for delivering aid to Yemen, devastated since civil unrest in 2014.

Recent escalations include a missile strike in Tel Aviv injuring numerous civilians, while Israeli aerial campaigns in Sanaa and Hodeida have resulted in fatalities. These tensions are partly fueled by the Houthis expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

UN to Address Escalating Tensions in Yemen

An urgent U.N. Security Council session is scheduled at Israel's behest to denounce the Houthi missile strikes and Iran's weapon supplies to the rebels.