Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a second round of missile and drone strikes targeting southern Israel, according to a statement by the group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Sari.
The escalation comes less than 24 hours after the Iranian-backed group officially declared its involvement in the regional conflict. Sari warned that military operations would persist until Israel ceases its "aggression" in Gaza and the surrounding region.
According to Houthi officials, the latest barrage utilized cruise missiles and drones aimed at "important military installations." The group framed the attack as retaliation for Israeli operations in Lebanon, Iran, and Palestine.
The Israeli military confirmed detecting a missile fired from the direction of Yemen, noting that air defense systems were activated to intercept the threat. This marks the first official confirmation of a long-range strike from Yemeni territory since the conflict involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran entered its second month.
"We have fired ballistic missiles at various Israeli military targets," Sari stated, adding a stern warning: "If any other party joins the United States or Israel, our finger remains on the trigger."
Analysts suggest that the Houthis' direct entry into the conflict significantly raises the risk of a wider regional war, adding a volatile new dimension to Middle Eastern security.
