Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 28: Israeli warplanes struck Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport on Wednesday, destroying what Israeli officials described as the last operational aircraft used by the Houthi forces, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s military campaign against the group.
The Israeli military confirmed the attack in a statement, identifying it as part of "Operation Golden Jewel"—an ongoing campaign intended to cripple the Houthis’ ability to launch attacks on Israeli territory. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation delivered a “clear message” and reaffirmed Israel's hardline stance: "Whoever fires at Israel will pay a heavy price."
Katz further warned of continued strikes on Yemeni strategic assets, including ports and infrastructure used by Houthi forces and their allies. “The airport in Sanaa will be destroyed again and again,” he stated, also announcing a naval and aerial blockade targeting Houthi-controlled areas.
Khaled al-Shaief, general director of Sanaa International Airport under the Houthi administration, confirmed the attack, stating that the fourth and final aircraft of Yemen’s national airline, Yemenia, was destroyed. Al-Shaief shared images on social media showing smoke and flames engulfing the aircraft.
According to Israel’s Army Radio, the Houthis have launched seven ballistic missiles and several drones toward Israel over the past two weeks. Most were intercepted, and no significant damage or casualties have been reported.
The Houthis, who control large parts of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November 2023 in what they claim is solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza. The group has vowed to halt its attacks only if Israel ends its blockade and military operations in the region, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.
This latest airstrike comes two weeks after Israel’s previous attack on Sanaa airport, which rendered it temporarily inoperable. As tensions escalate, Israel's military operations against the Houthis signal a widening scope in its regional security strategy.