Yemen’s Huthi rebels have claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main civilian airport located near Tel Aviv.
Missile Strike Targets Israel’s Main Airport
The attack reportedly occurred earlier this week and was announced in a video message by the group. In the statement, the Huthis said they had used a Zulfiqar ballistic missile and an armed drone in the strike.
Ben Gurion International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. It serves millions of domestic and international passengers each year. A successful hit on such a significant site could have led to major disruptions in air travel, property damage, and even civilian casualties.
However, the Israeli military intercepted the missile in mid-air, preventing it from hitting the airport. Warning sirens sounded in various parts of Israel, including areas surrounding Tel Aviv, shortly before the interception. Thankfully, officials reported no injuries or damage, as the defense systems thwarted the attack before it could reach its intended target.
In the same announcement, the Huthis claimed responsibility for additional drone strikes targeting military facilities in Eilat, a southern Israeli port city. These drone attacks are part of a broader campaign by the group, which has carried out multiple strikes since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
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The latest missile launch at a civilian airport marks a new and dangerous phase in the conflict. It demonstrates the group’s ability to reach far beyond Yemen and to target highly sensitive and symbolic locations in Israel.
Airport Attacks and Escalation in the Red Sea
The strike on Ben Gurion Airport is one of the most visible examples of how the Gaza conflict has spilled beyond its original borders. The attack shows the increasing reach of the Huthis, who are now using long-range weapons to hit targets deep within Israeli territory. Their willingness to strike civilian infrastructure, such as an international airport, has raised serious concerns about the safety of Israel’s airspace and public transportation hubs.
This attack is not an isolated event. Earlier this month, the Huthis resumed attacks on commercial ships sailing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, important maritime routes that link Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The group claims these ships had connections to Israel and said they attacked them to force an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
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These waters are vital for global trade, and any military activity there poses a risk to international shipping and regional security. The Huthis’ renewed naval aggression has further strained tensions in the area and prompted stronger responses from Israel.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Israel has retaliated by launching airstrikes on locations in Yemen, including the port city of Hodeida. These air raids reportedly targeted weapons storage sites and missile launching systems believed to be used by the Huthis.
As the conflict intensifies, the missile strike aimed at a civilian airport adds to the growing list of security threats that now extend across land, sea, and air.
Seizure of Iranian Weapons Headed to Huthis
In a major development related to the conflict, Yemeni pro-government forces recently announced a large-scale seizure of weapons being smuggled from Iran to the Huthi rebels. The seized cargo weighed around 750 tonnes, making it the largest recorded seizure of Iranian weapons bound for the Huthis to date.
The weapons cache included naval and air missile systems, air defense platforms, military drones, surveillance radars, anti-tank missiles, sniper rifles, B-10 artillery units, and monitoring devices. In addition, the shipment contained tracking lenses, ammunition, and other battlefield equipment.
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The U.S. Central Command praised the seizure, calling it a major success in stopping illegal arms transfers and disrupting the Huthis’ growing firepower. This operation underlines the scale and quality of the support the Huthis are receiving, despite international sanctions and restrictions.
This discovery highlights how the Huthis, once considered a local rebel force, now have the resources and capability to carry out long-range missile and drone attacks — not just on war zones but also on key international sites like airports and ports.