Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for a new wave of drone attacks targeting Tel Aviv on Friday, escalating tensions in the region. The group's military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated the strikes aimed to support Palestinians in Gaza, declaring: "Confronting American aggression won’t stop us from fulfilling our duty toward Gaza."
Israeli media reported a Houthi drone was intercepted near the Dead Sea, while Jordan confirmed an unidentified aircraft crashed in Madaba governorate. No casualties were reported.
This comes amid intensified Houthi attacks against Israeli and U.S. targets since March, including a claimed strike on the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The U.S. Central Command countered, stating operations against the Houthis continue "24/7" despite the group’s "outlandish claims."
Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes in Yemen surged to 30 by Friday, targeting areas including Sanaa's outskirts and oil-rich Marib province. Residents described chaotic scenes: "All we hear is missiles exploding before fighter jets roar overhead," said Mohamed, a Sanaa resident.
The Houthis vow to halt attacks if Israel ends its Gaza offensive and allows aid into the besieged strip. Will diplomacy prevail, or will the cycle of retaliation deepen?
