Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, May 2: Tensions escalated in the region as Israel intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen within 12 hours, with the first attack claimed by the Houthi rebels.

An explosion was heard over Jerusalem during the second missile interception, prompting air raid sirens in northern and coastal districts. Israeli police said searches were underway for possible impact or debris.

The Israeli military confirmed that its aerial defense systems neutralized the threats. "The IDF identified a missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli territory. Air defenses were activated to intercept the threat," said a military spokesperson.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, said they fired a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting an air base near Haifa, marking their latest in a series of attacks on Israel since the Gaza war erupted after Hamas's October 7 assault.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree vowed continued attacks, stating, “Support operations will continue until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the siege is lifted.”

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have also targeted merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, drawing retaliatory strikes by Israel, the US, and the UK.

Since January, under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US has ramped up airstrikes on Houthi positions. According to US sources, over 1,000 targets have been hit, killing hundreds of fighters.

Houthi media claimed that a recent US strike in Saada killed at least 68 African migrants, while on Thursday night, three people were injured in a strike in Al Wahda district, as reported by the Houthi-run Saba news agency.

The situation remains volatile as both sides intensify military engagements across multiple fronts.