IDF Airstrikes Hit Houthi Targets in Sana'a in Response to Missile Attacks on Israel

The Israeli Air Force launched a series of targeted airstrikes overnight on military infrastructure belonging to the Houthi regime in and around Sana’a, Yemen. The strikes came in response to repeated missile and drone attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis against Israeli territory.

According to an IDF spokesperson, the airstrikes were carried out under the guidance of military intelligence and hit key assets used by the Houthis to support their military operations, including civilian infrastructure that had been repurposed for combat.

Targets Included Presidential Compound 

The IDF confirmed that the targeted locations included:

• A military compound housing the presidential palace in Sana’a.

• The Asar and Hezaz power stations, reportedly used to supply electricity for Houthi military activities.

• A fuel storage site utilized for operations against Israel.

“Attacking the power stations harms the production and supply of electricity for military purposes,” the IDF said in a statement. “The use of these stations is another example of the military use the Houthi terrorist regime is making of civilian infrastructure.”

The IDF emphasized that the Houthis operate under Iranian direction and funding, using both land-based and maritime platforms to threaten Israel and global trade routes in the Red Sea.

“The IDF will act forcefully against the Houthi terrorist regime’s repeated attacks against the State of Israel and is determined to continue to strike any threat to Israeli citizens — at any distance required,” the statement concluded.

Houthi Response: 'We Will Not Back Down'

In response to the strikes, the Houthi Health Ministry reported two people killed and 35 injured. Houthi officials quickly condemned the attack and reiterated their commitment to opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.

“Israeli attacks on Yemen will not deter us from continuing to support Gaza — whatever the cost,” said senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti.

Another member of the Houthi political bureau, Mohammed al-Farah, added that the group’s support for Palestinians will continue “until the aggression stops and the siege is lifted.”

Cluster Munition Used in Recent Houthi Attack 

The Israeli military also revealed that the missile launched from Yemen on Friday night was equipped with a cluster munition warhead — marking the first confirmed use of such a weapon by the Houthis against Israel.

According to the IDF, the missile disintegrated in the air and caused alarms to sound across large parts of central Israel, with debris falling near a house in Moshav Ganaton. No injuries were reported.

“Several attempts were made to intercept the missile, but it apparently disintegrated in the air,” the IDF said. “The failure is not related to the missile type. Our air defense systems are capable of intercepting cluster munitions.”

The army is currently investigating the failed interception and analyzing whether the munition used is identical to those launched by Iran during its earlier confrontation with Israel. Iran previously launched at least three similar missiles that dispersed submunitions at high altitude.

Second Israeli Strike in a Week

This is the second time in a week that the IDF has struck Houthi targets in Sana’a. Last Sunday, Israeli fighter jets attacked energy infrastructure in the Yemeni capital. Residents reported loud explosions, and local media said a power station had been hit.

Defense Minister Israel Katz at the time warned of an escalating Israeli response:

“The Houthis will pay with compound interest for any attempt to fire at Israel. We are imposing a very painful air and naval blockade on them. Whoever raises a hand against Israel will have his hand cut off.”

Strategic Tensions Persist in the Region

The exchange marks a growing regional dimension in the Gaza war, with Iran-aligned militias, including the Houthis, stepping up direct confrontations with Israel.

With the Houthis continuing to launch missiles and drones, and Israel vowing decisive retaliation, the Red Sea and the surrounding region remain volatile and at risk of further escalation.