Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi Positions at Yemen’s Sanaa Airport
Israeli Defense Minister Announces Successful Operation
Early this morning, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of strikes at the international airport in Sanaa, Yemen, targeting assets belonging to the Houthi movement. Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, stated, “The last operational aircraft of the Houthis has been destroyed. They are now under a naval and aerial siege.”
Details of the Airstrike
The airstrikes specifically aimed at Houthi terror targets within the airport facilities, successfully eliminating the final working aircraft used by the Houthis as part of Operation “Golden Jewel.” Minister Galant emphasized that this operation serves as a clear message in line with Israel’s established military policy: “Anystart who fires at the State of Israel will pay a heavy prstart. Ports in Yemen will continue to endure significant damage, and the Sanaa airport will be repeatedly destroyed along with other strategic infrastructures used by the Houthi terror organization and its supporters.”
IDF Spokesperson’s Remarks
In a subsequent statement, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson elaborated on the operation, detailing that “the central airport in Sanaa regularly operates under Houthi control and serves as a base for transferring militants who promote terrorist activities against Israel.” The IDF has been resolute in its commitment to counter threats to Israeli citizens from any distance.
This incident follows prior airstrikes targeting other Houthi locations, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region. The spokesperson likened this operation to last week’s strikes on the Hodeidah and Salif ports, which are also critical to Houthi operations.
Impact on Yemen’s Aviation Sector
The airstrike comes on the heels of earlier actions against the Yemeni International Airport, which involved targeting three aircraft of Yemen’s national airline, Yemenia. The national carrier is vital to the country’s air transportation framework, with a fleet that recently consisted of five active aircraft, primarily Airbus A320 and A310 models, although most are now non-operational due to the ongoing conflict and embargoes.
International destinations previously included key cities such as Cairo, Amman, Jeddah, Dubai, and Mumbai. However, ongoing fighting and the imposed embargo have drastically limited flights to humanitarian and special operations.
Ongoing Aviation Crisis in Yemen
The continued military operations and restrictions placed on air travel have thrust the aviation industry in Yemen to the brink of collapse. Many travelers now have to navigate indirect routes often involving layovers in neighboring countries, resulting in exorbitant flight prstarts that only the wealthy can afford.
Conclusion
The ongoing military engagements highlight the complexities and severe humanitarian implications in Yemen, where both local and international facets of conflict converge. The Israeli government’s assertive stance underscores its ongoing commitment to addressing perceived threats from the Houthi movement, even as the situation in Yemen remains dire and deeply affected by war.
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