Houthi rebels claim missile, drone strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, key military facilities
Sanaa, April 5
Yemen's Houthi rebels have asserted that they launched a strike directed at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, alongside other "vital" military sites in southern Israel, according to Al Jazeera.
In a formal communication released via the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah media, the Yemeni faction detailed the nature of the operation, with Al Jazeera further reporting that the group claimed the attack used a cluster missile and numerous drones to target the specified locations.
Coinciding with these claims from Yemen, the Iranian military has announced that it executed an expansive drone mission aimed at critical areas within the same Israeli aviation hub.
According to state broadcaster Press TV, the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that this large-scale operation was a direct retaliation for what it described as persistent US-Israeli aggression directed at the country.
Providing further detail on the raid in an official communique released early Saturday, the military noted that its units hit various strategic hubs at the airport.
Press TV reported that these targets included a recently constructed control tower, the primary control towers for Terminals 1 and 2, navigation equipment, as well as the facility's antennas and radar systems.
The military command elaborated that the offensive was initiated at first light, employing a significant number of unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to Press TV, the primary objective of the deployment was to dismantle the electronic command and coordination infrastructure used for military air traffic.
Expanding on the strategic intent, the Iranian Army further explained that the mission was designed to obstruct the guidance systems of offensive fighter aircraft and disrupt broader aerial manoeuvres.
These strikes were specifically intended to neutralise the surveillance and electronic warfare potential of the opposing forces.
Ultimately, this military action was framed as a necessary response to ongoing hostile acts and crimes attributed to the United States and Israel, particularly the alleged use of Ben Gurion Airport as a launchpad for strikes against Iranian interests.
Press TV highlighted that the military has underscored that the retaliation for those martyred in recent attacks is "certain," with the army cautioning that its operations will proceed without pause and remain proportionate to the intensity of enemy provocations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very concerning news. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Direct attacks on civilian airport infrastructure, even if claimed to be military targets, is a dangerous precedent. Hope our MEA is closely monitoring for any impact on Indian nationals.
The Houthis and Iran are clearly coordinating. The Middle East is a tinderbox. India's foreign policy of strategic autonomy is being tested. We have good relations with both the Gulf nations and Israel. We must tread carefully and call for immediate de-escalation.
Reading this from Mumbai. The use of "cluster missiles" as mentioned is particularly alarming given the indiscriminate nature of such weapons. The cycle of retaliation helps no one. The international community needs to step in more forcefully.
With respect, I think some comments are missing the point of why this is happening. The article says Iran claims this is retaliation for attacks on *its* interests. It's not unprovoked. Not taking sides, but the full context matters. The blame game is endless.
Our primary concern should be the safety of Indians abroad and the impact on oil prices. A full-blown war will send crude prices through the roof, hurting our economy badly. Time for quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy from our side.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.