Israel issues alert following rocket launch from Yemen

Air-raid sirens sounded in central Israel today, signaling a rocket threat. The alarm was triggered by a missile launched from Yemen.

The sirens were activated in multiple areas of central Israel, prompting a swift response from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

The army later confirmed that the Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted the incoming rocket.

Fortunately, no injuries or damage have been reported thus far. The military is currently working to ascertain further details regarding the launch.

Earlier, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles within hours of each other on January 13 evening and early January 14 morning, triggering sirens that forced hundreds of thousands of Israelis to rush into shelters.

The Israel Defense Forces said it successfully intercepted the first missile around 6:30 p.m., which triggered sirens in numerous communities in the West Bank, Jordan Valley, Afula area, and near Beit Shean due to fears of falling shrapnel.

The second missile was launched shortly after 3 a.m. on January 14, triggering sirens throughout the entirety of central Israel. It was also successfully intercepted by air defenses, according to the military.

According to the military, the Houthis have launched some 40 ballistic missiles at Israel since Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, starting the ongoing multifront war.

By Vafa Guliyeva