Missile strike escalates tensions as Houthis hit Israeli military site

Yemen’s Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, has claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel’s Negev-based Nevatim Air Base on April 26.

The missile, identified as a Palestine-2, was reportedly fired in retaliation for Israeli military actions in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, announced the strike, stating that the missile "successfully hit its target" and that the group would continue its operations until Israel halts its aggression against Gaza and lifts the siege on the enclave. He emphasized that the Houthis' "religious, moral, and humanitarian duties" would drive further military actions against Israel. ​

He also said that the Yemeni armed forces had been able to trace and shoot down an American MQ-9 drone, the twelfth drone shot by the Yemeni military since the start of their campaign against the Israeli aggression in Gaza.

The Negev region, home to the Negev Air Base, is a significant site for the Israeli Air Force, housing advanced aircraft such as the F-35I "Adir" stealth fighter jets. The base plays a crucial role in maintaining Israel's air superiority in the region. ​

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched from Yemen, with sirens sounding across several areas in southern Israel. However, the Houthis later claimed that their missile had successfully struck the air base. ​

The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining their positions and preparing for potential further escalations.

By Vafa Guliyeva