Illustrative image. (The Israeli Defense Forces)
On February 22, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its Arrow air defense system intercepted a ballistic missile that was apparently launched by the Houthis (Ansar Allah) from Yemen over the Red Sea.
The ballistic missile was headed toward Israel, likely aimed for the southernmost city of Eilat, when it was shot down, the IDF said in a statement. It added that the missile did not enter Israeli airspace, and sirens had sounded in the southern city according to protocol, due to fears of falling shrapnel.
Videos from Eilat posted on social media showed smoke trails in the sky over the city from the aftermath of the successful interception.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, attacked Eilat using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as suicide drones more than once in recent months in response to the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. All of the projectiles have been intercepted or missed their target, according to the IDF.
The group has also been targeting Israel-affiliated ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The attacks caused a serious shipping crisis.
The United States and the United Kingdom, both top allies of Israel, began launching strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen last month.
Nevertheless, the offensive capabilities of the Houthis are still intact. This was the group’s second attack on Eilat this week. The group also shot down a U.S. combat drone and targeted a number of ships in recent days.
