New Israeli Airstrikes on Sanaa: Were They an Attempt to Assassinate Houthi Leaders?

Israel has launched a new wave of airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, targeting several vital locations. While Israeli sources confirm the attacks were aimed at senior Houthi leaders, the Houthis deny this, adding a layer of ambiguity to the true objectives of the operation.

Details of the Coordinated Attack and Conflicting Accounts

According to Israeli Channel 12, more than 10 strikes were carried out on Sanaa, targeting homes where Houthi leaders were believed to be hiding. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation and the Israeli Army Radio reported that the attack targeted a "large number of senior Houthi officials who were gathering at several targets in Sanaa at the same time." This coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a planned assassination attempt.

On the other hand, a Houthi leader vehemently denied that any of the group's leaders were targeted, reiterating that their operations against Israel will continue until the war in Gaza stops.

Our correspondent in Yemen noted that the airstrikes hit the Al-Sabaeen district, including the presidential compound and a Houthi-affiliated central security camp. The correspondent added that these attacks were indeed targeting leaders and that Israel prefers not to confirm the success of any assassination attempt until it is certain.

Israel's Official Stance and Confirmation of Threat

Both Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir closely monitored the airstrikes. Katz commented on the attacks, stating, "As we warned the Houthis in Yemen... we will cut off every hand that is raised against Israel," a clear and direct message of threat.

Context of Repeated Attacks

These airstrikes come just days after previous intensive attacks on Sanaa that resulted in 10 deaths and dozens of injuries. Israeli media outlets have indicated that there is no confirmed information yet on the success of the assassination attempts carried out.