Israeli airstrikes respond to Houthi rebel attacks
Israeli fighter jets retaliate against Iran-backed rebels
Attack on Yemen comes after Houthi attacks on Israeli city
Israeli fighter jets bombed a port in Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on Saturday, Israeli officials said, in retaliation for more than 200 Houthi attacks on Israel. The strike on Yemen underlined fears that the Gaza war could escalate into a regional conflict.
The Israeli army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said in a video released on Friday evening that the aircraft had hit an apartment building. Yemeni officials confirmed that one person was killed and at least five injured in the attack, which Israeli officials said was carried out by drones.
The Houthi rebels, who control much of northern Yemen, claimed responsibility for a drone strike on an Israeli oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, which killed two crew members.
Israel responded by carrying out a series of airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday and Saturday. The Israeli military said it had hit a number of Houthi military installations, including weapons storage facilities and training camps.
The escalation in violence between Israel and the Houthis comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran is a major supporter of the Houthis, and Israel has accused Iran of providing the rebels with weapons and training.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Houthis, but there are no signs that either side is willing to back down.
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