Houthi rebels claim missile attacks on Israel

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility on Tuesday for two missile attacks targeting Israel. 

According to the Israeli military, one missile was intercepted before it could enter Israeli airspace, preventing any damage.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the group launched two missiles, one aimed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, another targeting a power plant south of Jerusalem.

On Monday evening, the Israeli military reported intercepting a missile from Yemen. Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel, signaling a potential threat, but no damages were reported.

The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone attacks against Israel since the Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023. The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli territory. The Houthis stated that their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

In response to the escalating Houthi attacks, Israel announced airstrikes in Yemen, targeting sites including Sanaa International Airport. The Houthis have also launched assaults on ships associated with Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Houthi spokesperson claimed an operation against the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. The U.S. military has not commented on the alleged attack.