Israeli warplanes struck multiple sites in Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Sunday, days after Houthi rebels launched a missile toward Israel.
The Houthi-run health ministry said at least two people were killed and 35 injured in the attacks, which hit several locations across the city. Yemeni TV channel Al-Masirah reported a strike on an oil company, while videos circulating online showed a large fire at the site.
Israel’s military said the strikes targeted the Asar and Hizaz power plants, described as “key electricity facilities for military use” as well as a military complex near the presidential palace.
Residents said they heard powerful explosions near a closed military academy and Sabeen Square. “The house was rocked, and the windows shattered,” said Ahmed al-Mekhlafy, who lives near the area.
The Houthis vowed to continue their operations despite the strikes. “Our military operations supporting Gaza won’t stop unless the aggression ends and the blockade is lifted,” said Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the group’s media office.
On Friday, the Houthis claimed to have fired a newly developed missile at Israel, including targeting Ben Gurion Airport. The projectile broke apart mid-air after several interceptions, according to Israel’s military, which identified it as a cluster bomb, posing new interception challenges and showing what officials said was Iranian support for the rebels.
An Israeli Air Force officer said more than 10 fighter jets took part in Sunday’s strikes. It was the first raid in Yemen since last week, when Israel hit what it described as energy facilities used by the Houthis.
The Houthis have been launching drones and missiles toward Israel and targeting shipping in the Red Sea for nearly two years, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Between late 2023 and 2024, they struck more than 100 vessels, disrupting a trade route that carries goods worth about $1 trillion annually.
Although the United States reached an agreement with the group in May to halt attacks on shipping in exchange for ending US airstrikes, the Houthis insisted that their operations against Israel and its allies would continue.
Earlier this year, Israeli strikes damaged Sanaa airport in a rare daytime raid, destroying the terminal and several passenger planes.