Israel launched a bombing raid on Yemen’s main international airport for the second time this month, targeting the last plane used by Iran-backed Houthi militia. The strike destroyed the aircraft, which served as the national airline at Sana airport.
The attack comes after recent missile attacks by the Houthi militia on Israel, prompting retaliatory action from the Israeli military. The Sana airport is a vital lifeline for over 20 million Yemenis in Houthi-held areas, providing access to medical treatment, medicine, and aid.
Houthi leaders have been launching rockets and drones at Israel and targeting ships in the Red Sea since October, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has warned of incoming missiles, which it says it has intercepted, and accused Iran of backing the Houthi attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was a response to Houthi aggression and claimed responsibility for Iran’s actions. He reiterated that Israel will not back down from defending itself against threats from Iran.
The Israeli military has been escalating its campaign in Yemen, with US-led bombing raids aimed at weakening the Houthis’ ability to target shipping. However, President Trump announced the end of US bombings this month, citing a possible understanding between Washington and the Houits. The Houthi leader, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, warned that if the US halted attacks, the Houthis would cease their attacks on American interests, but vowed to continue military operations in support of Gaza until Israel ends the war.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/world/middleeast/israel-yemen-sana-airport-houthis.html