IDF intercepts ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis
No reports of injuries from attack by Iran-backed rebels, which set off sirens in several communities near the Dead Sea; Houthis claim they targeted Ben Gurion Airport
A ballistic missile launched Wednesday evening by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen at southern Israel was intercepted by air defenses, the military said.
There were no reports of impacts or injuries. Sirens had sounded in several communities near the Dead Sea.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the rebels targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv with a “Zulfiqar ballistic missile” and a drone, around 150 kilometers away from where the projectile set off sirens.
In the video statement, Saree also announced drone attacks on military targets and the southern Israeli port of Eilat.
Since March 18, when the IDF resumed its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen have launched 61 ballistic missiles and at least 15 drones at Israel. Several of the missiles have fallen short.
The rebel group has also repeatedly fired projectiles at maritime traffic through the Gulf of Aden, targeting ships they accuse of having links to Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
In response, Israel has carried out several strikes on Houthi-linked targets in Yemen, including attacks on the port city of Hodeida earlier in July.