Israel Carries Out Strike on Sana'a Airport In Yemen
The IDF has reaffirmed its resolve to counter threats to Israeli civilians, signaling a sustained campaign against Houthi activities in the region.
MIDDLE EAST — On May 28, 2025, at 13:58 UTC, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on the main airport in Sana'a, Yemen, targeting aircraft operated by the Houthi organization.
According to an official IDF statement, these aircraft were being utilized to transport terrorists involved in planning attacks against Israel. This operation follows strikes on the Hudaydah and Salif Ports the previous week, underscoring the Houthis' persistent exploitation of civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
The IDF has reaffirmed its resolve to counter threats to Israeli civilians, signaling a sustained campaign against Houthi activities in the region.
Acronym Index
IDF: Israel Defense Forces
UTC: Coordinated Universal Time
Historical Context
The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, are a Shia Islamist group that emerged in Yemen during the 1990s. Their conflict with the Yemeni government escalated into a full-scale civil war in 2014, following their capture of Sana'a.
Supported by Iran with weapons and training, the Houthis have developed sophisticated missile and drone capabilities, extending their reach beyond Yemen's borders. This support has enabled them to target Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and, increasingly, Israel, positioning them as a significant player in Iran’s regional proxy network.
Israel perceives the Houthis as an emerging threat due to their ability to conduct long-range attacks. In recent years, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for missile strikes on Israeli cities and drone assaults on Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
These provocations have driven Israel to adopt preemptive measures, such as the strikes on Sana'a airport, to disrupt Houthi operations and deter further aggression.