Houthis Deploy Cluster Munitions in Israel for the First Time on Record
In a surprising turn of events, the Houthi militia in Yemen is believed to have used cluster munitions in a rocket attack on Israel for the first time. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The attacks in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, resulted in heavy explosions, and flames and smoke were seen. Initial reports did not indicate any casualties from the attacks. However, the army reported that the rocket broke apart in mid-air, suggesting that the impact may not have been as severe as initially feared.
This use of cluster munitions by the Houthi militia is a violation of international humanitarian law, according to experts. It's important to note that Iran, an ally of the Houthis, has been accused of using cluster munitions against Israel during the 12-day war in June, according to Amnesty International.
The Houthi militia has been attacking Israel with rockets and drones since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. In response, Israel's air force has carried out frequent air strikes on militia targets in Yemen. On Sunday, Israel's air force reportedly attacked targets in Yemen, including an oil facility and a power plant in Sanaa.
The Houthi militia announced they had targeted the international airport near Tel Aviv on Friday evening, and there was a rocket alert in Tel Aviv. According to media reports, a rocket fragment hit a location near the airport, although no further information is provided about the consequences or impact of these events.
It's worth mentioning that both the Houthi militia and Hamas in the Gaza Strip are allies of Iran. The rocket fired on Friday evening likely contained multiple smaller explosive submunitions designed to detonate on impact. However, the exact timing of when Iran first used cluster munitions against Israel during conflicts in the Middle East is not specified in the available information.
While the situation remains tense, it's crucial to monitor developments closely and hope for a peaceful resolution to these conflicts. In a separate news, ASV Hamm-Westfalen, a local team, kicked off their new season with a derby win. Meanwhile, Israel's military did not initially comment on the attacks in Sanaa.
