DUBAI - Yemen's Ansar Allah (Houthi) rebel movement announced that it has launched a missile attack on a target in Tel Aviv using a hypersonic ballistic missile of the type Palestine-2. This was reported by military spokesman Yahya Sari through Al Masirah television, which is controlled by the Houthis. According to the TASS news agency, the missile hit "critical infrastructure" in the Jaffa area.
"The Yemeni Armed Forces' missile units conducted a military operation using a Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile that hit critical infrastructure of the Israeli enemy in the occupied Jaffa (Tel Aviv) neighborhood," Sari said.
According to the Houthis, a drone attack was also carried out on Ramon International Airport near the city of Eilat. The Israeli army (IDF) confirmed that some of the drones were shot down, but according to local media, one drone landed in the airport area, causing a temporary disruption.
At the same time, the Israeli Defence Forces announced that they had intercepted a projectile fired from the Yemen area. According to the AP, no casualties or significant material damage were reported. Reuters reported that sirens were activated in central Israel and security measures were taken at airports due to the threat of rockets and drones.
Israeli retaliatory strikes
Shortly after the attacks, the Israeli air force launched airstrikes on western Yemen. According to the Israeli army, this was military infrastructure linked to the Houthis. However, according to Al Jazeera news and local authorities, the airstrikes also hit Hudaydah port, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Humanitarian organisations warn of a growing risk of civilian casualties.
Houthis since the escalation of the conflict in Gaza Strip in 2023 have repeatedly threatened Israel with attacks on its territory while announcing a blockade of ships associated with the Jewish state in Red Sea and in Bab al-Mandab Strait. Since then, there have been dozens of attacks on civilian ships and Israeli targets.
Houthi claims of using hypersonic missiles Palestine-2 has not yet been independently verified. According to military analysts contacted by the AP, this may be a propaganda exaggeration, but the Houthis' ability to hit targets hundreds of kilometres away is well documented.
The international community, including the UN, is calling on both sides to de-escalate and protect civilians. Shipping companies, meanwhile, warn of continuing dangers in the Red Sea and are seeking alternative routes through the Cape of Good Hope, which increases the cost of global shipping.
gnews.cz - GH
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