Israeli Air Strikes Target Houthi Forces in Yemen, Resulting in Casualties

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:11:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A significant Israeli military operation in Yemen has reportedly resulted in the deaths of eight people, as the conflict escalates between Israel and the Houthi movement following a series of drone attacks.

Israel's latest airstrikes in Yemen, described as the most powerful to date, have drawn condemnation from Houthi officials after they claimed civilian facilities were hit, leading to eight fatalities. The Israeli Defense Forces conducted these strikes in response to recurring attacks from the Houthis, which have escalated since the onset of conflict in Gaza.

The Israeli military conducted what it termed its most powerful strike in Yemen, targeting the Houthi movement in response to their ongoing drone and missile threats against Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that dozens of aircraft bombed various locations associated with the Houthi's security, intelligence, and military operations in the capital, Sanaa.

In a statement, the Houthi-run health ministry condemned these actions as a brutal crime, asserting that residential areas and civilian facilities were among the targeted sites, resulting in eight confirmed deaths. This attack follows a recent drone strike from the Houthis on Israel's Red Sea resort of Eilat, which left 22 people injured.

The Houthi movement has held significant power in northwest Yemen since they overthrew the internationally recognized government ten years ago, igniting a protracted civil conflict. Initially, their engagement in attacks against Israel began soon after the renewed war between Israel and Hamas escalated in October 2023, framing their strikes as support for the Palestinian cause.

Israel's military response is part of a broader strategy to address recent missile strikes and drone assaults from Yemen, with Israeli officials indicating they will continue to enforce military action against the Houthi regime to protect national security.

Footage following the airstrikes revealed large plumes of smoke rising from several locations, including the Maain and Sabaeen districts of Sanaa, and a power station. The strikes coincided with a moment when Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi was set to address the public via the Al-Masirah TV channel.

According to health officials, a total of 142 individuals were reported injured, including many civilians, and rescue teams are actively searching for possible survivors trapped under the rubble. Such escalations have raised alarms over the humanitarian situation in the war-torn region.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes on social media, emphasizing their aim to dismantle what he referred to as terrorist infrastructures vital to Houthi operations. The IDF vowed to maintain pressure on the Houthi forces amid ongoing confrontations.

As the violence unfolds, the humanitarian repercussions continue to affect the civilian population, drawing international concern as hostilities show no signs of abating.