Houthi UAV penetrates Iron Dome, injuring over 20 in Eilat

The Iron Dome missile defense system failed to intercept a Houthi UAV over Eilat, Israel, resulting in an explosion that injured 22 people.

A Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed into a commercial area in the southern Israeli city of Eilat on 24/9, injuring 22 people, mostly from debris, according to Israeli officials. Two men are in critical condition.

Video footage recorded by locals shows the UAV flying low as sirens blare and an explosion is heard, likely from an air defense missile. The aircraft then struck a building, causing a large explosion.

Houthi UAV crashes in Eilat, southern Israel on 24/9. Video: Times of Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later admitted that their attempt to intercept the UAV failed, despite the Iron Dome air defense system in Eilat firing two missiles. The IDF also noted that air raid sirens were activated according to protocol.

A preliminary investigation by the Israeli Air Force suggests the air defense forces detected the UAV too late, and the Iron Dome's failure to down the target may be due to the aircraft's low altitude. The Israeli Air Force was also unable to scramble helicopters or fighter jets in time to intercept the Houthi aircraft.

"We will investigate the incident, learn from it, and improve," said Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar, adding that UAVs are not a new threat to Eilat.

Yahya Saree, a spokesman for the Houthi armed group in Yemen, announced that the group had launched two UAVs targeting Eilat. He declared the operation a success, emphasizing that Israel's air defense network failed to intercept the attack.

"This is the second successful operation in the past 24 hours. The Houthi UAV unit also launched several aircraft on 23/9 targeting sites in Eilat and Beersheba," Saree said, warning that the Yemeni armed group would continue to attack Israel until it stops military operations in the Gaza Strip.