Sirens sound across cental Israel as Yemen-launched missile intercepted  

Early this morning (Friday), air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Shfela, and the Sharon region following a missile launch from Yemen. The IDF confirmed that its air defense systems successfully intercepted the missile before it could reach Israeli territory.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said, adding that alerts were issued in accordance with standard protocol.

Emergency services responded swiftly. Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that as of now, no direct casualties have been reported from the incident. However, they noted a small number of individuals were injured while rushing to seek shelter.

Shortly before the sirens were triggered, the IDF had issued a preliminary alert: “The IDF has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory. IAF aerial defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. The public is instructed to follow the guidelines issued by the Home Front Command.”

The alert came just a day after the IDF upgraded its early warning system for long-range threats originating from Yemen.

The missile launch followed closely on the heels of a U.S. military operation in Yemen targeting the Houthi rebel group’s fuel infrastructure. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were aimed at degrading the Houthis’ ability to finance and carry out regional attacks.

Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV claimed that the American strike killed at least 33 people and injured 88 more.