The IDF launched a barrage of airstrikes on Sana'a and the surrounding region in response to rocket fire from Houthi militias . Israeli air force bombs struck the heart of the Yemeni capital , falling in the area of the presidential compound where the palace, the center of Yemeni power, is located.
Some missile bases were also hit , as reported by the Houthi television station al Masirah.
The Israeli military confirmed that the attacks were conducted against dozens of rebel military targets, explaining that the Asar and Hizaz power plants, as well as a fuel depot, were also hit: all facilities, the IDF says, are used for "activities of the Houthi terrorist regime."
The IDF operation—which resulted in at least two deaths and 35 injuries and was followed live by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—was primarily a response to the latest Houthi missile attack. Launched Friday evening against Israel, the attack —according to initial air force investigations—confirms that the Yemeni rebels used a cluster bomb for the first time . One of the munitions struck the courtyard of a home in the central city of Ginaton, causing damage. The failure to intercept the projectile is worrying, but the army explains that it is unrelated to the type of warhead the missile carried: "Air defense systems, with particular attention to the upper layer, are capable of managing and intercepting such missiles, as has happened in the past," the IDF assures. An investigation has nevertheless been opened.
"We will continue to support Gaza, regardless of the price we have to pay," say the leaders of the Yemeni rebels , calling "the aggression against the Yemeni people a failure."
Meanwhile , Ayatollah Khamenei has once again made his voice heard in Tehran, casting doubt on the possibility of reaching an agreement on Iran's nuclear program. "Iran's problems with the United States cannot be resolved," the Supreme Leader stated, also calling for national unity, "in the face of plots by enemies, particularly the United States and Israel, to sow discord among Iranians." And praising the anti-Israel attacks by the "courageous" Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis , Khamenei stated that "everyone should oppose Israel and halt any aid to the regime."
(Unioneonline)
