Israeli airstrikes shutter Sana'a airport amid escalating tensions
The Israeli air force carried out a series of airstrikes on Yemen, leading to the closure of the airport in Sana'a. This action was in response to earlier attacks by the Houthi rebels.
What you need to know
- The international airport in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, has been closed until further notice due to damage caused by Israeli airstrikes.
- The Israeli air force targeted Houthi rebel sites, including the airport in Sana'a, in retaliation for a previous Houthi ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
- Israeli army spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, confirmed the airstrike was a response to the Houthi attack.
Why was the airport in Sana'a closed?
The international airport in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, suspended its operations after the Israeli air force conducted a series of airstrikes on Houthi rebel targets.
These attacks inflicted significant damage on the airport infrastructure, making further operations impossible. The airport administration announced that it is neither accepting flights nor allowing planes to depart, resulting in a complete halt of air traffic in the region.
What were the reasons for the Israeli airstrikes?
The Israeli air force's strikes were in response to a Sunday Houthi ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Israeli army spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, stated that these actions were necessary to counteract aggression from the Houthi rebels.
Israeli armed forces concentrated their attacks on strategic targets, including the international airport in Sana'a, which is crucial for the rebels.
Houthis support the Palestinian Hamas fight against Israel
The Houthis, deemed a terrorist organization by Western countries, are part of the so-called "axis of resistance" supported by Iran. Since the outbreak of conflict in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, they have carried out over 100 attacks on commercial ships off the coast of Yemen, thereby supporting the Palestinian Hamas's struggle against Israel. The group continues rocket and drone attacks on Israel, although most missiles are intercepted. Israel has previously conducted five strikes on the Houthis, including at the port of Hudaydah.
Since early 2024, the US has been leading a coalition aimed at defending freedom of navigation threatened by Houthi attacks. In mid-March, President Donald Trump announced a new offensive, increasing the intensity of airstrikes on this group.
Just before the Israeli airstrike, Yemeni media reported another US attack on the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, Sana'a.
