Retaliation for Houthi Missile Attack
2 Dead, 35 Injured
Conflicting Reports on Destruction of Presidential Palace
On August 24 (local time), Israel conducted airstrikes on energy infrastructure in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, resulting in at least two deaths.
According to the Associated Press and Al Masirah TV, around 4 p.m. that day, oil facilities in Sanaa and the Hijaz power plant south of Sanaa were bombed.
Local health authorities reported that two people were killed and 35 were injured as a result.
However, these outlets also reported that the local air defense network intercepted most of the Israeli aircraft.
Local journalists shared videos on social media showing flames rising from the airstrikes, stating that the "brutal Zionist occupying forces (Israel) targeted Sanaa's energy facilities."
This Israeli airstrike was carried out in response to a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis on August 22. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Houthis have continued missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, claiming to support Palestine.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on the same day, "The Houthi terrorist regime is painfully learning that it must pay a very high price for its acts of aggression against Israel," adding, "The operation was carried out perfectly, with all our fighter jets returning to our territory."
Subsequently, Israeli Defense Minister Katz claimed, "The military destroyed the Houthi presidential palace." However, Times of Israel pointed out that Yemeni sources did not confirm whether the presidential palace was actually destroyed.
The Israeli military explained in a separate statement that its targets included military facilities housing the Yemeni presidential palace, two power plants, and fuel storage facilities.
Meanwhile, Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria under President Donald Trump and Ambassador to Turkiye, met with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the same day and urged Israel to refrain from airstrikes on Lebanon and to withdraw southern outposts.
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