Israeli airstrikes on Yemen kill 9 as Houthis announce hitting Jaffa

CAIRO – 19 December 2024: The Israeli army conducted deadly strikes on near the Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring three others, according to Houthi media official Nasruddin Amer.

The Israeli strikes hit the port of as-Salif and Ras Isa oil facility in Hodeidah as well as the Heyzaz and Dhahban power stations near Sanaa, according to the Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV.

The Israeli strikes came while the Houthis announced today conducting two rocket attacks on Israel.

The Houthis said it successfully struck “sensitive” military targets in the occupied Jaffa city with two hypersonic ballistic missiles, Palestine 2 type.

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The Israeli military justified the airstrikes as a response to the ongoing Houthi missile and drone attacks directed at Israel throughout the past year, with the majority allegedly being intercepted.

In a stark warning to Houthi leaders after the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz cautioned that Israel's extended reach will also encompass Yemen.

“Whoever raises a hand against the State of Israel - his hand will be cut off, whoever harms us - will be harmed sevenfold,” Katz stated.

Earlier on Thursday, sirens sounded in central Israel following the alleged interception of a missile launched from Yemen. Although a school suffered damage, no injuries were reported, as confirmed by the Israeli army.

In retaliation for Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed almost 46,000 Palestinians, the Houthis have targeted Israel, its allies, and crucial Red Sea shipping routes.

Firm in their stance, the group has vowed to continue striking Israel and its supporters until the Israeli aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.