Houthi Missile Launch Sends Millions Into Shelters: One Intercepted Over Israel

A missile launched from Yemen by the Houthi rebels early Thursday morning triggered air raid sirens across central Israel and the Jerusalem area, sending millions of people into protected shelters.

According to the IDF, the missile was successfully intercepted mid-air by the Arrow missile defense system. There were no casualties reported. This marks the first siren in the Tel Aviv region since the end of the war with Iran, and only the second in Jerusalem. Ben Gurion Airport briefly suspended takeoffs and landings due to the launch but resumed operations shortly afterward.

Following the launch, senior Houthi figure Nasr al-Din Amer posted on X: “There is no security for the Zionists. Our operations will continue until the aggression ends and the blockade on Gaza is lifted.”

Resumption of Houthi Attacks

The Houthis have recently renewed their attacks on vessels crossing key trade routes between Asia and Europe. Just yesterday, they claimed responsibility for hijacking another ship allegedly en route to Eilat, in an operation that left four dead. This came only three days after a major Israeli airstrike campaign in Yemen.

Within just three hours of the start of Operation "Black Flag" earlier this week, considered one of the most extensive Israeli strikes on Houthi targets since October 7, two missiles were fired from Yemen toward Israel, triggering overnight sirens that woke hundreds of thousands. That was the last Houthi missile launch toward Israel until this morning.

The recent Israeli Air Force operation involved around 20 fighter jets and roughly 53 bombs and missiles, targeting key logistical hubs supporting Houthi operations. Despite this being the ninth Israeli strike on those targets, officials stress the importance of repeated action to maintain and deepen the strategic gains.

Red Sea Ship Attack Leaves Casualties

Yesterday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for sinking the "Eternity C" in the Red Sea on Monday, alleging it was headed for Eilat. A security company involved in the rescue effort said four people were killed, six rescued, and 15 remain missing. The Houthis claimed their navy rescued several crew members, provided medical care, and transferred them to a safe locationת but U.S. officials accused the group of kidnapping the crew.

This is the second ship the Houthis have targeted since halting their operations in the Red Sea during a ceasefire with the U.S., and the first fatal attack in over a year.