When Israel attacked the Houthis, the rebels erupted in retaliation. Not one or two, but 11 ballistic missiles were launched by the Houthis as a strong response to Israel. In addition, drones were also deployed. These attacks targeted Ben Gurion Airport and a power plant in Ashkelon. The dual attack by the Houthis also left the United States on high alert. The U.S. immediately activated its radar systems at its base in Iraq, and also deployed Patriot missile systems and other air defense systems.
Just a day earlier, Israel had carried out an airstrike on Yemen, targeting the Houthis. It was already anticipated that the Houthis would respond strongly. According to a report by Mehr News, not just one or two, but 11 ballistic missiles were launched from Yemen, targeting several regions in Israel.
Israel Forced to Retreat
Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the country's air defense system successfully repelled Israeli fighter jets. He claimed that Israel tried to target multiple cities in Yemen, but the Yemeni forces forced them to retreat.
These Israeli Areas Were Attacked
Yahya Saree said that in response to the Israeli attack, the Yemeni army launched 11 ballistic missiles and drones. The attacks targeted Ben Gurion Airport, Ashdod Port, and a power station in Ashkelon. Hypersonic missiles were also used in these strikes. He added that the drones launched from Yemen successfully reached their targets in Palestine, and Israel failed to intercept them. Saree warned that if Israel dares to attack again, even by mistake, it will have to pay a heavy price. He also stated that these attacks have only strengthened their people's determination to defend the Palestinian cause.
U.S. Takes Defensive Measures
Amid Yemen’s retaliatory actions, the United States activated its air defense systems at its airbase in Iraq. Citing Iraqi security sources, Mehr News Agency reported that the U.S. air defense system is now active at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. According to a report based on sources from Al-Anbar province, this step has been taken in fear of possible missile attacks. In addition, the number of surveillance towers has been increased. It has also been reported that a large number of U.S. aircraft recently arrived in Iraq from Syria.
