Israeli Airstrike on Sana’a Airport by IDF: Houthis’ Last Aircraft Destroyed
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out an airstrike on Sana’a International Airport, located in Yemen’s capital and under the control of the Houthis. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the strike destroyed the last remaining aircraft belonging to the Houthis.
“The Airport Was Part of the Houthis’ Armed Transport Network”
Minister Katz stated that the reason for the strike was the airport’s use by the Houthis to transport armed personnel. “While we continue to heavily bombard the ports in Yemen, we will also repeatedly destroy the airport in Sana’a, just as we have targeted strategic infrastructure,” Katz said, emphasising that Israel’s naval and aerial blockade policy would continue.
IDF: Infrastructure Serves the Houthis
According to a statement from the Israeli military, Sana’a Airport, like the recently targeted ports of Hodeidah and Salif, provided logistical support to the Houthis, who have been launching attacks against Israel. The statement noted, “Although Sana’a Airport appears to be civilian infrastructure, in reality it is part of a network that serves the Houthis’ military objectives.”
Netanyahu: “We Respond with Greater Force”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the incident, saying, “We act on a fundamental principle: we respond with greater force to those who harm us.”
Houthis: Four Airstrikes Conducted, Civilian Plane Hit
Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV reported that four airstrikes were carried out in total, hitting the runways and the last civilian aircraft belonging to Yemenia Airlines. The Houthis claimed the runways were also frequently used by aircraft operating under United Nations (UN) missions.
Yemeni officials recalled that during a previous Israeli attack on May 6, the airport’s terminal and runways were rendered inoperable, with infrastructure only resuming operations 11 days later.
