Israel strikes Houthi military and intelligence headquarters

The Israeli military struck Yemen's capital, Sanaa, declaring the targets were the general staff headquarters and Houthi intelligence facilities.

"We have just dealt a heavy blow to multiple Houthi targets in Sanaa. The Israeli military attacked several barracks and eliminated dozens of Houthi members, destroying weapons depots and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)", Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said today.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later stated that among the targets were the general staff headquarters, along with Houthi security and intelligence facilities.

The Houthi's Al-Masirah channel also reported on the airstrike, but has not yet released information on casualties or damage. Witnesses said the attack targeted areas in the south and west of the capital Sanaa.

Smoke rises over Sanaa, Yemen after the airstrike on 25/9. Photo: Reuters

Smoke rises over Sanaa, Yemen after the airstrike on 25/9. Photo: Reuters

The IDF's strike on Sanaa came a day after the Houthis launched a UAV attack on the city of Eilat in southern Israel, injuring 22 people. The Israeli military admitted that the interception attempt failed when the Iron Dome system protecting Eilat fired two missiles but did not down the target. Israeli fighter jets and helicopters were also unable to intercept in time because the surveillance network detected the Houthi UAV too late.

The Houthis have launched UAV and missile attacks on Israel, as well as targeting ships they believe are linked to the country, following the outbreak of fighting in the Gaza Strip in 10/2023. The Houthis said this was an act of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel has intercepted most of the Houthi UAVs and missiles but has missed some. The IDF frequently launches airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen in retaliation, primarily targeting infrastructure such as seaports, power plants, and Sanaa International Airport.

In late August, the IDF attacked a meeting of Houthi leaders, killing the head of the executive body, Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, and several other high-ranking officials. Israeli airstrikes earlier in September killed 46 people, according to the Yemeni armed group.