Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 15, 2024 12:40 am GMT
As tensions in the Middle East escalate, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have heightened their attacks against Israel, claiming they have targeted major Israeli cities and U.S. warships. This increase in hostilities comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, as the Houthis pledge to continue their military operations until what they describe as “aggression” by Israel ceases.
Recent Attacks on Israel
In a statement made on Friday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the group had launched missile and drone attacks against Israel’s Tel Aviv and Ashkelon, asserting their aim is to support the Palestinians facing conflict in Gaza. “We will carry out more military operations against the Israeli enemy in victory for the blood of our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,” Saree declared during a televised address.
The Israeli military responded swiftly, stating that it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early Friday morning, which set off sirens and explosions across central Israel. According to the Israeli forces, the surface-to-surface missile was shot down by an Arrow interceptor outside Israel’s territory.
Israel has not faced such missile threats from Yemen regularly until now. Following earlier incidents, including a Houthi drone attack that resulted in casualties in Tel Aviv in July, tensions have continued to rise. Houthi attacks seem to have intensified since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated, contributing to a broader regional volatility.
Missile and Drone Capabilities
The Houthis’ military claims include:
- Simultaneous attacks on three U.S. Navy destroyers in the Red Sea.
- The deployment of 23 ballistic and winged missiles alongside drone strikes targeted against U.S. military assets.
- Announcing the successful use of a hypersonic missile against central Israel, although Israeli defense systems claimed it was damaged but not destroyed.
The Iranian-supported group has been known to cause disturbances in critical maritime areas, such as the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, citing their solidarity with Palestinians as a rationale for their actions.
International Reactions
The escalating hostilities have captured the attention of not only the affected regional parties but also global players. Experts warn of the potential for widespread conflict if tensions continue to flare. The ongoing violence has reportedly resulted in over 700 victims in Lebanon and intensified retaliatory measures from Israel.
The United Nations has observed that the Houthis have persistently violated an arms embargo that has been in place since 2015. Recent reports suggest the group has received military assistance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as support from Hezbollah and various Iraqi factions, leading to concerns regarding the scale of Iranian influence in the region.
Impact on Civilians
As military operations persist, the civilian populations in areas of conflict bear the brunt of the violence. The increase in missile and drone attacks has sent residents in both Israel and Yemen scrambling for safety. In Tel Aviv, the sound of sirens has become more frequent, prompting emergency preparations among the population.
With over 600 casualties reported in Lebanon alone and continuous bombardments in Gaza, humanitarian concerns are paramount. Activists and international organizations are pressing for a ceasefire and a reduction in military operations to address the humanitarian crisis that has ensued.
Conclusion
The situation in the Middle East is very tense right now. The Houthis in Yemen have said they will respond to Israel’s actions. It’s really important for countries to work together to calm things down. Many groups that help people and observers from around the world are asking for peace and looking for long-lasting solutions to this conflict, which has hurt so many lives. As military actions start to involve more countries, the problems could spread beyond Iran and Israel and pull in even more nations. Everyone is watching closely, hoping for an end to the violence.
