- After intercepting a Houthi ballistic missile targeting its territory, Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-held sites in Yemen, including Al-Hudaydah and Sanaa. Israeli Defense Minister Katz vowed to dismantle the Houthi leadership and infrastructure, further inflaming regional tensions.
BY PC Bureau
The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen issued a stark warning on Tuesday, threatening to target US interests in the Middle East if strikes on Yemen persist. In a video shared on X, Houthi Supreme Political Council member Mohammed Ali al-Houthi cautioned Washington:
“We caution Americans against targeting Yemen. If they do not stop, we will strike US interests in the region, ignoring any red lines. Either Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Yemen will cease, or we will target sensitive American assets to deliver our message.”
🇾🇪The Houthis announce a general mobilization to confront the U.S. and Israel. pic.twitter.com/EhvRsStEU8
— Huma Zehra (@HumaZhr) December 24, 2024
The statement follows the Houthis’ claim that they shot down a US F-18 fighter jet during an attack on an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. They reported the operation involved eight cruise missiles and 17 drones. However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that a US Navy F/A-18 fighter jet was downed by “friendly fire” over the Red Sea, with no confirmation of Houthi involvement.
Israel Retaliates with Strikes on Yemen
In response to escalating tensions, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes Thursday targeting Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, including the coastal city of Al-Hudaydah and the capital, Sanaa. This marked the third wave of Israeli strikes against Houthi-held positions since July, following Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea.
BREAKING#HOUTHIS remain Undefeated !!
US admits its failure to stop houthis. They are amazed, shocked by houthis target another ship belong to UK🇬🇧
As i said Again and again those days are gone when you hit and ran away, now you hit you will be hit🔻 back 💪✌️🇾🇪🇮🇷🇵🇸🇮🇶🇱🇧🇸🇾 pic.twitter.com/G0n3oAVXXG
— ZAINABZEHRA (@ZAINABALI_72) December 23, 2024
On December 24, Houthi militants fired a ballistic missile toward Israel, intercepted outside Israeli territory. Sirens blared across Tel Aviv and central Israel, but no casualties were reported. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, vowed to eliminate Houthi leadership and dismantle their infrastructure.
“Just as we dealt with Sinwar in Gaza, Haniyeh in Tehran, and Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the Houthis in Sanaa or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz stated, also warning their Iranian backers that “whoever sponsors Houthi terror will pay the full price.”
The Houthis’ actions reflect their alignment with Iran and solidarity with Gaza following the October 7 conflict. As tensions escalate, the region faces growing uncertainty over potential repercussions.
