Israeli Air Force destroys final Houthi aircraft in Sana’a

The Israeli Air Force struck Sana’a International Airport on Wednesday, destroying the last operational aircraft used by the Houthi terrorist organization, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

“This is a clear message and a direct continuation of the policy we established: Whoever fires at the State of Israel will pay a heavy price,” Katz stated following the strike.

The attack follows an Israeli operation on May 6 that eliminated other aircraft at the same site.

Katz emphasized that Israeli forces will continue to target strategic Houthi assets. “The ports in Yemen will continue to be struck heavily, and the airport in Sana’a will be destroyed again and again,” he said. “The Houthi terror organization will be under naval and aerial blockade, as we committed and warned. Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold.”

The Israeli military confirmed details of the operation, stating: “The IDF recently attacked the central airport in Sana’a and an aircraft belonging to the Houthi terrorist organization. The aircraft that were attacked were used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transport terrorists who were promoting terrorist acts against the State of Israel.”

The IDF added that the airport, like the ports of Hodeidah and al-Salif attacked earlier this month, remains under active Houthi control and is used for terror-related operations. “This is another example of the brutal use that the Houthi terrorist organization makes of civilian infrastructure for terrorist acts.”

In its statement, the military underscored its commitment to preemptive action: “The IDF is determined to continue to act and strike with force anyone who poses a threat to the residents of the State of Israel, and at whatever distance is required.”

The Israeli government has reiterated its policy of deterrence following recent missile and drone launches from Yemen.

The IDF intercepted a ballistic missile early Tuesday morning that was launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.

The attack triggered air-raid sirens in the Jordan Valley and several towns in Samaria, prompting residents to rush to bomb shelters in the pre-dawn hours.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Hours later, the military announced that the air force had recently downed another missile launched from Yemen. No sirens were activated by that attack, in line with existing policy, the IDF said.

The Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israel in recent weeks, including a direct hit near Ben-Gurion International Airport on May 4.