Houthi-controlled Yemen reports 46 deaths in Israeli strikes

On September 11, Yemen's Houthi-run Health Ministry reported a significant rise in casualties following Israel's airstrikes on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the northern province of al-Jawf. 

The strikes, which occurred on September 10, resulted in at least 46 deaths and 165 injuries, according to the ministry, cited by foreign media.

These attacks mark the latest escalation in a series of exchanges between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, reflecting the broader regional tensions that have been exacerbated by the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Israeli airstrikes on Yemen follow a previous attack on August 30, which targeted the Houthi government’s leadership in Sanaa, resulting in the deaths of several senior officials, including the prime minister. This marked the first Israeli strike aimed specifically at high-ranking figures within the Houthi administration.

Israel’s military framed the latest strikes as a retaliatory measure in response to what it described as "attacks led by the Houthi terror regime" against Israeli targets. These attacks, according to Israeli forces, involved the launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and surface-to-surface missiles aimed at Israeli territory.

Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli military reported intercepting two launches originating from Yemen, including one missile and one drone. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for these attacks, which they said were part of their ongoing response to Israeli aggression.

A Houthi military spokesperson emphasised that the group’s actions were a direct retaliation for Israel's military activities, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Houthis have consistently framed their military actions as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, launching attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and targeting Israeli interests.

The Houthis, who control large portions of Yemen, have also made several attempts to strike Israeli territory with missiles. However, most of these attacks have been intercepted by Israel’s missile defence systems. In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including strikes on the strategically significant Hodeidah port, a vital entry point for goods and humanitarian aid into Yemen.

By Tamilla Hasanova