Israeli military bombs Yemen's Sanaa airport
The Israeli military on Tuesday attacked the airport and major power stations in Yemen's capital Sanaa, putting it out of action, after warning residents to evacuate the area.
"American-Israeli aggression targets Sanaa International Airport with a series of raids," Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV said.
A series of strikes were reported, with plumes of smoke rising from several areas, including the airport.
Al-Masirah said the Israeli military also struck the Dhahban Central Power Plant in the Bani al-Harith district of Sanaa, the Haziz Power Plant south of the capital, and the Asr Electricity Station in Sanaa's Maeen district.
The Israeli raids also targeted a cement factory in the Amran province, south of Sanaa.
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The Israeli army said in a statement that the air force attacked and destroyed infrastructure used by the Houthis in the airport, closing down the airport. It added that the Houthis had been using the airport to transfer weapons and operatives.
Earlier, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X a warning for civilians to "immediately evacuate the airport area and warn anyone nearby to do the same and stay away from the area. Failing to evacuate may put you at risk."
Israel said its strike on Sanaa was in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday. The missile penetrated the airport's perimeter near Tel Aviv, leaving a large crater. It marked the first known instance of a Houthi missile evading Israel’s air defences in a series of attacks since March.
No casualties or serious damage were reported from the Houthi attack. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be a "phased" retaliation against Yemen.
The Israeli military on Monday struck the port in Hodeidah, killing four people and wounding 39 others.
The port in Hodeidah is the entry point for about 80 percent of Yemen's food imports.
Sources told Reuters that the Israeli strikes caused damage estimated at 70 percent of the port's five docks, warehouses and customs area.
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