The Israeli Air Force remains on high alert for potential missile and drone attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, following a series of US airstrikes that targeted Houthi leaders. The White House confirmed that “multiple” senior Houthi figures were eliminated in the strikes and warned Iran against further support for the group.
The heightened security measures were implemented last week after the Houthis threatened to resume attacks on Israel. The group had paused its assaults following a January ceasefire in Gaza but vowed to restart them in response to Israel’s blockade on aid to the Strip, which began on March 2.
On Saturday, the US launched a large-scale bombing campaign in Yemen, targeting Houthi positions. A missile fired from Yemen later landed in Egypt overnight between Saturday and Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to determine whether Israel was the intended target.
Escalation in US-Houthi Conflict
US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz stated that the airstrikes had delivered a strong message to the Houthis and their Iranian backers. “We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough,” Waltz said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the strikes would continue until the Houthis cease their attacks on US assets and global shipping lanes. “This will continue until they stop firing at ships and other targets,” he stated.
Houthi Response and Civilian Casualties
The Houthi rebels have vowed retaliation, warning that “escalation will be met with escalation.” The Iran-backed group reported that at least 31 people were killed and over 100 wounded in the strikes, including women and children. Houthi media outlets shared footage of civilians, including injured children, being treated in hospitals.
Residents of Sanaa described the intensity of the US airstrikes. “I’ve lived through years of war, but I have never experienced anything like this before,” said Ahmed, a resident of the capital.
International Reactions
Former US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to the Houthis and Iran, stating that any continued aggression would be met with “overwhelming lethal force.” He declared on social media, “YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
Trump also warned Iran to end its support for the Houthis immediately or face consequences.
Iran condemned the US strikes, with top diplomat Abbas Araghchi criticizing Washington’s actions and reaffirming Tehran’s support for the Houthis.
Regional Impact and Continued Threats
The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for over a decade, are a key player in Iran’s “axis of resistance” and have carried out numerous attacks on Israeli and Western targets. Since November 2023, they have launched more than 40 ballistic missiles toward Israel and multiple drone strikes, including one that killed a civilian in Tel Aviv in July 2024.
Their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes have also severely disrupted global trade, forcing companies to take alternative routes around southern Africa. The Pentagon reports that Houthis have launched 174 attacks on US warships and 145 on commercial vessels since 2023.
Meanwhile, Hamas, a key ally of the Houthis, denounced the US airstrikes as a “blatant violation of international law” and an “assault on Yemen’s sovereignty.”
Earlier this month, the Trump administration reclassified the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” tightening restrictions on any US dealings with the group.
As tensions escalate, Israel remains on high alert, preparing for possible retaliatory strikes from the Houthis in the coming days.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/air-force-on-high-alert-for-resumption-of-houthi-missile-drone-attacks-on-israel/