Houthis Enter Mideast Conflict, Attacks Israel

(MENAFN) Yemen’s Houthi forces have formally joined the Middle East conflict, firing multiple missiles at Israel. The group, which controls the Yemeni capital and much of the country’s north, had previously remained out of the fighting since US and Israeli attacks on Tehran began on February 28.

On Saturday, Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree released a statement expressing support for Tehran and other regional “resistance” groups. He said the Houthis were compelled to act against the US, Israel, and allied nations due to continued escalation, attacks on infrastructure, and perceived “atrocities” in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and Gaza.

Saree warned that their forces would respond if any country participated in strikes against Iran or used the Red Sea for military operations. Hours later, the Houthis reported launching ballistic missiles toward Israeli military targets, coinciding with operations by Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The group stated they would continue attacks until “aggression against all resistance fronts ceases.”

Israel intercepted two of the incoming missiles. A military spokesperson emphasized that the country is preparing for a potential multifront war. Over the past two and a half years, the Houthis have fired more than 130 missiles and deployed numerous drones targeting Israel, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.

The Houthis framed their attacks as support for Palestinians in Gaza, following Israeli military operations in response to a Hamas incursion in October 2023. They have also targeted shipping in the Red Sea, striking around 100 vessels connected to Israel and sinking two.

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