IDF downs Houthi terror missile from Yemen

The Israel Defense Forces intercepted a missile fired overnight Thursday by Houthi terrorists in Yemen.

The attack triggered air raid sirens across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv, sending millions of civilians rushing to bomb shelters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Israeli air defense systems also intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Thursday afternoon, marking the second such incident in a matter of hours.

The Houthis, who have escalated their attacks in recent weeks, also launched a missile at Israel early on Sunday. That projectile was intercepted by IDF aerial defenses.

On May 4, the Houthis threatened a full aerial blockade of Israel after firing a missile that impacted near Ben-Gurion International Airport.

In response, Israel has carried out strikes on Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen used for arms transfers. Targeted locations have included Sanaa International Airport, as well as the ports of Hodeidah and Salif, which the IDF says have been used to facilitate the movement of weapons.

Dorothy Shea, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, censured Houthi terrorists for their attacks on Israel and for threatening international maritime trade as part of her remarks to the world body on Tuesday.

“At President Trump’s direction, the United States took punishing action to defend freedom of navigation against the Houthis,” she said. “Under pressure, the Houthis have backed down from attacking American ships, but they will face further punishing strikes if they attack U.S. vessels again. We condemn their continued attacks on Israel and support Israel’s right to respond.”

On May 16, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “If the Houthis continue to fire missiles at the State of Israel, they will suffer painful blows—and the heads of the terrorist group will also be hit. We will defend ourselves with strength against any enemy.”