The Israeli Air Force has carried out multiple strikes in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen held by the Houthi group, according to local reports. Residents said the targets included sites near the presidential complex, missile bases, and key oil and power stations. At the time of reporting, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had not released an official statement.

The airstrikes followed an escalation on Friday when the Houthis launched a drone and a ballistic missile armed with a cluster bomb warhead towards Israel. According to an Israeli Air Force official, this missile was likely equipped with sub-munitions designed to explode upon impact, marking the first time such a weapon was fired from Yemen towards Israel.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in response to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Israel has faced repeated missile and drone attacks from Houthi-controlled territories since October 2023, with most of these projectiles successfully intercepted by Israeli defense systems.

The Houthi group, which is aligned with Iran, has also targeted commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea. They describe these attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. These operations have raised international concerns over shipping safety and regional stability.

In retaliation, Israel has launched strikes on Houthi strongholds, including vital infrastructure such as the strategic Hodeidah port. These strikes are aimed at weakening the Houthis' military capacity and preventing further long-range missile launches.

The latest events highlight the growing risk of the Gaza war expanding beyond Palestinian territories, drawing in regional players and creating wider instability across the Middle East.
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