Houthi Militia Deploys Cluster Munitions in Israel for the First Time
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel's air force reportedly struck targets in Yemen on Sunday. The attacks, which included an oil facility and a power plant in Sanaa, followed a rocket attack on Friday evening that is believed to have contained cluster munitions.
The rocket, which fragmented mid-air according to the army, is said to have originated from Yemen for the first time. A fragment of the rocket is reported to have struck a location near the airport in Sanaa, causing flames and smoke at the sites of the attacks.
The Houthi militia in Yemen, known to be allies of both Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Iran, is believed to have used cluster munitions for the first time in this rocket attack on Israel. This use of cluster munitions, which violates international humanitarian law, has been a concern for many, as it poses a significant risk to civilians.
The Houthi militia has been regularly attacking Israel with rockets and drones since October 2023, expressing solidarity with the Islamic Hamas. The Houthis claimed on Friday evening that they had again targeted the international airport in Tel Aviv.
Israel's air defense is capable of intercepting this type of munition, and the army reported that the rocket broke apart in mid-air. However, the number of casualties from these attacks in Sanaa remains unclear initially. Israel's military did not initially comment on the attacks in Yemen on Sunday.
In response to these attacks, Israel's air force has been conducting frequent airstrikes on militia targets in Yemen. This is not the first time Israel has responded to attacks from Yemen. In June, during a 12-day war, Iran, an ally of the Houthi militia, is reported to have used cluster munitions against Israel.
Air raid sirens sounded in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, signalling the potential danger to civilians. As tensions continue to rise, both sides remain vigilant, with the hope that a peaceful resolution can be found.
