Waves of airstrikes hit the cities of Yemen

Airstrikes have been reported on Yemen’s capital Sana’a and the port city of Hudaydah on the Red Sea.

The AFP news agency reports that Huthi TV called the strikes “Israeli aggression.” Israel had no comment.

The extent of the strikes and casualties were not clear from initial reports. Israel has warned in recent days that it is preparing a major attack on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen after the group fired missiles at them.

The Houthis have been attacking Israel with drones and missiles since the first months of the Gaza war, which began in October 2023. The war was sparked by an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza, which the Houthis praised.

Since then, Israel has retaliated with periodic strikes against the Houthis.

Earlier this week, Israel’s defense minister said it was preparing to launch a “heavy blow” against the Houthis, warning it would “decapitate” the group’s leadership.