Israel confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on Tuesday (May 6), making the airport unusable. This came as a response to a missile attack by the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, which briefly disrupted operations at Israel’s main airport near Tel Aviv.
The missile attack near Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday (May 4) injured four people and caused a temporary halt to air traffic. This was the first time a missile hit the airport since the war between Israel and Hamas started in October 2023. Israel responded by expanding its military campaign, including airstrikes in Gaza and beyond.
Israel also targeted Yemen’s Hodeidah Port, a key site on the Red Sea, on Monday (May 5). Israel claims the Houthis use the port to bring in weapons from Iran. The strikes on Hodeidah killed at least four people and injured 39, with additional damage to nearby infrastructure.
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The airstrike on Sanaa’s airport was confirmed by the Houthis and local sources. Videos showed heavy black smoke rising from the city. Israel had warned civilians to evacuate the airport area before the strike, saying staying there would be dangerous.
The Houthis, who are part of a group known as the “Axis of Resistance” (along with Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups), say their attacks are in support of Palestinians in Gaza. They have vowed to keep attacking Israel until the siege on Gaza ends.
These events show the growing tension between Israel and the Houthis, who are increasing their attacks in the region.
