Israeli airstrikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa and the northern province of al-Jawf on Wednesday, killing 35 people and injuring 131 others, according to the Houthi health ministry.
The Israeli military said the raids targeted military camps, the Houthi defence ministry, the group’s “propaganda” headquarters, and a fuel storage facility. It described the strikes as retaliation for Houthi drone and missile attacks against Israel.
Houthis: Civilian Sites Targeted
A Houthi military spokesperson rejected Israel’s account, claiming the strikes hit “purely civilian targets,” including the offices of two newspapers. He said journalists and bystanders were among the casualties but gave no figures.
Residents told Reuters the bombing also struck a hideout between two mountains used as a command and control centre. The extent of damage was not immediately known.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The assault follows an August 30 strike in Sanaa that killed the Houthi-run government’s prime minister and several ministers — the first Israeli attack to directly target senior officials.
“The strikes were carried out in response to attacks led by the Houthi terror regime against the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said, citing UAVs and missiles launched toward its territory.
The Iran-backed Houthis have stepped up attacks on Red Sea shipping and fired missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted. Israel has retaliated with repeated strikes on Houthi-held areas, including the strategic Hodeidah port.
