Israeli airstrikes rocked Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, on Sunday, targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in retaliation for a missile attack on Israel, escalating a cycle of violence tied to the Gaza conflict. The strikes, which killed at least four people and injured 67, hit critical infrastructure, including the Asar and Hizaz power plants, a fuel depot, and a military compound near the presidential palace, according to Israel’s military and Houthi reports. Social media footage captured a massive fireball erupting at an oil company site, with residents like Hussein Mohamed describing “very strong” explosions that shattered windows.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation, involving over 10 fighter jets, responded to a Houthi ballistic missile launched Friday toward Ben Gurion Airport, identified as a cluster munition—the first since 2023. An Israeli Air Force official, speaking anonymously, noted that such weapons, designed to scatter explosives on impact, complicate interception and signal advanced Iranian support to the Houthis. No damage or injuries were reported in Israel.

The Houthis, who have disrupted Red Sea shipping and fired over 70 missiles at Israel since November 2023, claim their actions support Palestinians in Gaza. Nasruddin Amer, a Houthi media official, vowed on social media, “Our operations won’t stop until Gaza’s siege ends.” The group’s attacks, targeting over 100 ships by December 2024, paused during a brief Gaza ceasefire but resumed after U.S.-led airstrikes, despite a May deal to halt shipping attacks.

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This marks Israel’s 15th strike on Yemen, including a May attack on Sanaa’s airport that damaged six planes. Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated an ongoing “air and naval blockade” on the Houthis. The conflict, rooted in Iran’s backing of the Houthis, continues to destabilize the region, with global trade routes at risk.

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