SANAA: An Israeli airstrike early Sunday struck a house in southern Sanaa, Yemen, reportedly targeting a secret meeting of senior Houthi leaders. The strike marks a significant expansion of Israel’s military campaign amid a broader escalation with Iran and its regional allies.
According to the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency, Houthi security forces swiftly sealed off the area following the explosion, and ambulances were seen rushing casualties from the scene. Eyewitnesses cited by Xinhua claimed at least 10 charred bodies were found near the blast site. The Houthi movement has not yet released an official statement.
Anti-Houthi media outlets alleged that Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, and Military Chief of Staff Abdulkarim al-Ghamari were leading the meeting. Unconfirmed reports also suggest the possible presence of top figures, including Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and intelligence chief Abu Ali al-Hakim.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) specifically targeted al-Ghamari in Sunday’s operation. However, Israeli authorities have not formally commented on the strike.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have launched missiles at Israel since November 2023 in support of Palestinians during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Recently, the group vowed to escalate its attacks following Israeli strikes on Iran beginning June 13.
This incident unfolds amid the most intense military exchange to date between Israel and Iran. On Saturday, Israel targeted multiple Iranian air defence systems and critical infrastructure, killing dozens, including top commanders and nuclear scientists, according to Tehran. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles, killing three people in Israel and wounding over 70.
With tensions soaring, a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday was abruptly cancelled. Iran cited ongoing Israeli aggression as the reason.
As both nations brace for further confrontation, Israel urged its citizens to remain in shelters, while Iran warned of a “new wave” of retaliatory strikes.
The international community continues to call for restraint, but the situation shows no signs of de-escalation.
