Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi-Controlled Areas in Sanaa Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Sanaa on Thursday, following the interception of a drone launched toward Israel by the Iranian-backed Houthis earlier in the day. The Israeli military stated it struck a Houthi "military target" in Sanaa without providing further details.

Residents reported loud explosions in the southern and western parts of the city. Hussein Salem, a resident of western Sanaa, described the impact as "like an earthquake" and observed plumes of smoke over his neighborhood.

The airstrikes coincided with the broadcast of a pre-recorded speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi on the group's al-Masirah satellite news channel.

This incident follows a series of escalations between Israel and the Houthis. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa resulted in at least 10 fatalities, targeting sites including a military facility near the presidential palace, a power plant, and an oil installation.

The Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea, stating these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In response, Israel and a U.S.-led coalition have conducted sustained strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including Sanaa and the strategic coastal city of Hodeida.

Regional tensions have further escalated as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom initiated the U.N.'s "snapback" mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. This move, condemned by Iran as "unjustified, illegal, and lacking any legal basis," could lead to renewed restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and financial assets.