Daijiworld Media Network – Sanaa

Sanaa, Aug 25: At least six people were killed and over 80 injured, including 20 critically, after Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s rebel-held capital Sanaa on Sunday, the Houthi-run health ministry said. AFP images showed a massive fireball lighting up the night sky, followed by thick black smoke rising over the city.

According to the Houthis, the strikes hit multiple locations, including a central building, an oil company facility, and two power stations. Residents described the explosions as powerful and destructive. “The house was rocked, and the windows were shattered,” said Ahmed al-Mekhlafy, who lives near the presidential palace. Another resident, Hussein Mohamed, added, “The sounds of explosions were very strong.”

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, saying its aircraft struck a military compound containing the presidential palace, two power plants, and a fuel depot. Officials said the strikes came in response to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, including a ballistic missile launched two days earlier that fragmented over central Israel, damaging a home.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu monitored the operation from a military command centre in Tel Aviv alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF chief Eyal Zamir. “The terrorist Houthi regime is learning the hard way that it will pay — and has paid already — a very high price for its aggression,” Netanyahu said.

Israel said around a dozen aircraft, including fighter jets and refuelers, took part in the mission, dropping more than 30 munitions on Sanaa.

The Houthis, however, vowed to continue their campaign. “Our military operations supporting Gaza won’t stop, God willing, unless the aggression is stopped, and the siege is lifted,” said Nasruddin Amer, a senior Houthi media official.

Iran condemned the Israeli strikes, while the Houthis accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, the Houthis have launched repeated missile and drone attacks at Israel and targeted shipping in the Red Sea.