Before the strike, Sana's airport was barely functioning—a narrow humanitarian corridor for over 20 million Yemenis in Houthi-controlled territory. Its shutdown now severs a critical route for medical evacuations and aid deliveries. "They targeted and destroyed the last functioning aircraft," confirmed Khaled al-Shaief, the airport's general director, sharing photos of the wreckage engulfed in flames. Fire crews could be seen scrambling to contain the blaze.
The Israeli military described the strike as retaliation for ballistic missiles launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory. According to the Israel Defense Forces, all incoming projectiles were intercepted. However, the message from Israeli leadership was clear. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He emphasized Iran's role in the attacks, describing the Houthis as Tehran's proxies.
Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced the government's stance, calling the airstrike a strategic move against "terror infrastructure." He stated that the military would not hesitate to strike again if provocations continued. Houthi-run broadcaster Al Masirah reported four precise hits on the runway and aircraft, leaving the airport inoperable.
These developments follow months of rising tension. Since October 2023, the Houthis have intensified their campaign against Israel, citing solidarity with Gaza. In addition to firing missiles, they have targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea and threatened Israeli ports. The attacks have disrupted commercial navigation and triggered Western military responses.
Earlier in May, a Houthi missile landed dangerously close to Ben Gurion Airport, prompting brief flight suspensions. This marked a rare instance of direct threat to Israel's main aviation hub and heightened fears of regional spillover.
U.S. involvement has fluctuated. In March, President Trump vowed to escalate bombing in Yemen, promising the Houthis would be "completely annihilated." Yet by May, he abruptly ended the campaign, claiming the Houthis had "no will to fight." Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti dismissed the claim, vowing to continue attacks linked to Gaza until the conflict ends.
With the airport now in ruins, the war's toll on Yemen deepens. For millions dependent on aid, the destruction is not just symbolic—it is a humanitarian blow. As regional powers pursue military goals, Yemen's civilian population remains caught in the crossfire, increasingly isolated and without escape.
