Israeli Airstrikes Destroy Sanaa Airport After Houthi Attack

Israel carried out major airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, disabling Sanaa International Airport and hitting key civilian infrastructure, including power stations and a cement factory. The strikes followed a Houthi ballistic missile attack near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport—the first such incident since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023—which injured several people and halted flights. The Israeli Defense Forces stated the airport was used by Houthis for transferring weapons and operatives under Iranian direction, and accused the group of exploiting civilian sites for military purposes. The attacks left Sanaa airport 'completely destroyed' and caused significant power outages, with Houthi sources reporting casualties and vowing retaliation. The escalation has prompted warnings from the UN and international actors about the risk of broader regional instability. Israel issued a rare advance warning to civilians before the strikes, marking a shift in operational tactics.