Israeli Strike Targets Power Station Near Yemeni Capital, Sanaa, Amid Rising Tensions
In the early hours of Sunday, the Israeli military launched a missile strike on the Haziz power station, an energy infrastructure site near the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The military alleged this facility was used by Houthi rebels, a claim that has not been substantiated with evidence. This action was reportedly in response to recurrent drone and missile attacks on Israel by the Houthis. The strike resulted in power disruptions and was followed by a missile alert in Israel, leading to significant flight disruptions at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Background and Context
The Israeli military's attack on the Haziz power station marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthi rebels. The Houthis have launched missiles towards Israel since late 2023 to express their support for Palestinians under Israeli bombardment. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the power station was hit by an aggression
, which disrupted some of its generators, but did not identify the attackers.
Conversely, Israeli forces stated they struck... deep inside Yemen, targeting an energy infrastructure site that served the Houthi terrorist regime.
However, they did not provide evidence or specify the exact location.
Key Developments
Following the power station strike, Israel intercepted incoming missiles from Yemen. Thousands of protestors seeking a ceasefire deal to release Israeli captives were forced to seek shelter as air raid sirens sounded across central Israel, including Tel Aviv. The Israeli military's swift response indicates an escalating situation in the region.
Flight Radar 24 data reveals nine civilian planes approaching Tel Aviv from various cities were forced to circle over the Mediterranean and along Israel's coast due to a state of alert following a missile alert from Yemen. The state of alert led to disruptions at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
Implications and Reactions
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the group launched a Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile towards Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, stating it successfully achieved its objective.
He further declared the missile strike was a response to the unprecedented crime of genocide in Gaza,
asserting the group will persist to fulfil our religious, moral and humanitarian duty towards the oppressed Palestinian people until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted
.
This missile attack and the subsequent Israeli response have significantly heightened tensions in the region. Katz, an Israeli official, warned that Yemeni rebels will pay dearly
for attacks on Israel and that the morning's strikes near Sanaa were just the beginning.
Conclusion
Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East after the Israeli strike on a power station near Yemen's capital and the subsequent missile alert in Israel. While the Israeli military asserts the strike was a response to Houthi attacks, the Houthis claim their missile attack was a retaliation for ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. As both sides harden their stances, the potential for further escalation remains high.