Israel bombs Sanaa airport, destroys Houthi aircraft

Jerusalem/Sanaa, May 28 (EFE).—The Israeli military said Wednesday that it had struck the Sanaa International airport and targeted aircraft belonging to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions.

“The aircraft that were attacked were used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transport terrorists who promoted terrorist acts against the state of Israel,” a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

Khaled al-Shaief, director of the Houthi-controlled airport, confirmed the strike via his X .

“The Zionist enemy targeted the last Yemenia Airlines plane operating at the Sanaa International Airport and completely destroyed it,” al-Shaief wrote.

He posted an image showing a plane engulfed in flames as emergency crews battled to extinguish the fire.

This marks the fourth Yemenia Airways aircraft destroyed by Israeli strikes on the airport.

The IDF claimed the airfield is regularly used by the Houthis, as are the strategic Red Sea ports of Al Salif and Al Hodeida, which were also targeted by Israeli forces last week.

“This is yet another example of the Houthi terrorist organization’s exploitation of civilian infrastructure,” the Israeli military said.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the airstrike and issued a stern warning. ““This is a clear message and a direct continuation of the policy we established: Whoever fires at the state of Israel will pay a heavy price.”

The airstrike follows renewed Houthi missile launches targeting Israel, which resumed after the collapse of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at the end of March.

In recent weeks, the Houthis have claimed multiple missile attacks on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, one of which reportedly struck the facility, marking the first successful direct hit since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.

Meanwhile, Houthi authorities maintained an evacuation alert for the Sanaa International Airport, fearing additional Israeli strikes.

According to security sources from Yemenia Airways, “a second evacuation is underway,” and journalists were urged to stay away from the area amid concerns of further attacks. EFE

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