The Israeli Air Force remained on high alert Sunday amid concerns of missile and drone attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This follows a wave of U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi leaders, which the White House vowed to continue.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, had paused attacks on Israel and shipping routes in January but recently declared they would resume until Israel lifts its aid blockade on Gaza. In response, the U.S. launched a major bombing campaign on Saturday, with overnight strikes hitting Yemen. A missile from Yemen landed in Egypt, and Israel is investigating if it was a failed attack against them.
White House officials confirmed multiple Houthi leaders were killed, warning Iran to cease its support. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared “unrelenting” strikes until the Houthis stop attacking U.S. and allied assets. The Pentagon reports the Houthis have targeted U.S. warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023.
The Houthis condemned the airstrikes, claiming 31 people were killed and 101 injured, including children and women. Iran’s top diplomat criticized the U.S., while Hamas called the strikes a violation of international law.
Former President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, promising “overwhelming lethal force” against Houthi attacks and holding Iran accountable for supporting the group. The Houthis responded that they are “fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation.”
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted global shipping, forcing vessels to avoid the Red Sea. Israel has also conducted strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in response to past attacks. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has reclassified the Houthis as a terrorist organization, banning U.S. interactions with the group.
