Footage posted to social media apparently showing smoke and damage after Israeli strikes on Houthi-held Sanaa International Airport on May 28, 2025 (X; Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
| Published May 29, 2025
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In a calculated retaliatory move, Israel launched airstrikes on the Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, a facility under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This military action came in direct response to repeated missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis toward Israeli territory in recent months.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that their strike targeted key infrastructure at the airport used by the Houthis to facilitate the launch of these aerial attacks. “We are acting against terrorist infrastructures used by the Houthi militia to target Israeli citizens and threaten regional stability,” an IDF spokesperson stated.
Escalating Threats from Yemen
The Houthis, who control vast areas of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have stepped up their attacks as part of what they call their support for Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli defense systems have intercepted several long-range missiles and drones allegedly launched from Yemen, preventing them from reaching their intended targets in southern Israel and the Red Sea corridor.
The most recent interception, which took place just days before the airport strike, involved a missile aimed at Israeli airspace. This was the latest in a series of escalating provocations, with at least a dozen such incidents recorded since late 2023.
Disabling Launch Capabilities
Israeli sources described the airstrike as “surgical,” aiming to degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue launching attacks. Satellite imagery and regional reports indicate that at least one aircraft hangar and multiple launch platforms at the Sanaa Airport were destroyed. One report noted that the last remaining aircraft at the site was also eliminated in the strike.
“This airport had become a military launchpad masquerading as civilian infrastructure,” said one senior Israeli defense official. “We took necessary action to prevent further harm.”
Here are the implications of Israel’s strike on Yemen’s Sanaa Airport in response to repeated Houthi missile attacks:
Regional Implications
The strike is seen as part of Israel’s broader strategy to defend against threats beyond its immediate borders, especially those linked to Iranian influence. While the Houthis have gained notoriety for attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, their repeated missile strikes on Israel have escalated the conflict into a wider regional flashpoint.
The international response has been mixed. While some Arab nations have expressed concern over Israeli military operations outside its borders, others quietly acknowledge the destabilizing role played by the Houthis in the region.
1. Regional Escalation Risk
Israel’s direct military action in Yemen signals a widening of its defense perimeter, raising the risk of a broader regional conflict. By striking outside its traditional areas of operation, Israel demonstrates that it will respond to threats from any front — even those over 1,000 miles away. This increases tension not only with the Houthis but also with Iran, their main backer.
2. Disruption of Houthi Military Operations
Destroying launch platforms and airport facilities hinders the Houthis’ ability to continue launching missiles and drones toward Israel. Though they may rebuild, the strike sets them back logistically and sends a warning that continued attacks will come at a high cost.
3. Civil Aviation and Humanitarian Impact
The strike on Sanaa Airport, which also served limited civilian and humanitarian operations, may complicate aid delivery in Yemen — a country already facing a humanitarian crisis. International aid groups may now face delays or rerouting, increasing suffering among Yemeni civilians.
4. Red Sea Security Dynamics
With the Houthis also involved in attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, this strike could be interpreted as part of Israel’s effort to ensure maritime safety in that strategic corridor. It might encourage greater cooperation among regional and international actors to address Houthi threats.
5. Message to Iran and Its Proxies
The attack serves as a message not only to the Houthis but to Iran and its wider network of regional proxies — including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Syria and Iraq. Israel is signaling that it will not hesitate to extend its military reach if national security is at stake.
6. Potential Diplomatic Fallout
Although some Western and Arab states quietly acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense, others may criticize the expansion of military operations into Yemen, especially if civilian infrastructure is damaged. This could strain Israel’s diplomatic relations with countries seeking a more restrained approach in the region.
Overall Takeaway:
Israel’s airstrike on the Houthi-controlled Sanaa Airport is a direct response to repeated missile and drone attacks launched by the Yemeni rebel group. It marks a significant escalation in Israel’s defensive strategy, showing its readiness to project military power beyond its borders when facing sustained threats. While the strike may temporarily disrupt Houthi capabilities, it also intensifies regional tensions, potentially drawing in more actors and complicating humanitarian efforts. The move sends a clear message: Israel will act decisively against any entity, near or far, that targets its territory or civilians.
SOURCES: THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – Israel strikes Houthi-held Sanaa airport after repeated missile attacks by Yemeni group
THE TIMES OF INDIA – ‘Destroyed last aircraft’: Israel strikes Yemen’s Sanaa airport after intercepting Houthi missile
