Illustrative image, source: the Houthis media wing.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen have claimed responsibility for the missile attack that targeted the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat on December 6.
Brigade General Yahya Sari, a spokesman for the Houthi, said that several ballistic missiles were launched at military positions near Eilat.
The spokesman warned that the Houthis will continue to “carry out their military operations against the Israeli enemy, as well as implementing the decision to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Arab and Red Seas in support of the oppressed Palestinian people.”
Israel said that a single “surface-to-surface” missile was intercepted by its Arrow air defense system over the Red Sea, outside its airspace. No casualties or damage was reported.
Earlier on December 6, Britain’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and British maritime security company Ambrey reported an incident involving a suspected drone over the Red Sea west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. UKMTO warned vessels transiting the area to exercise caution.
United States officials said that USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, shot down a drone that was launched from Yemen.
The Houthis, who control a large part of Yemen and maintain a large arsenal of missiles and drones, are part of the so-called “Axis of Resistance” which is backed by Iran and opposes Israel. After the breakout of the war in Gaza, the Houthis launched several missile and drone attacks at targets in Israel. They also seized an Israeli-owned ship and targeted several others near Yemeni waters.
Neither Israel or the U.S. has yet responded to the Houthis’ recent attacks. Any strikes or ground operations against the Houthis could reignite the war in Yemen.
