Yemen’s Houthi movement has confirmed its first military operation targeting Israeli military positions, marking their entry into the conflict. The group stated attacks will continue until Israel halts military offensives, and warned of direct military intervention should attacks continue against Iran or if more countries join the conflict.
Israel’s military detected and intercepted a missile launch from Yemen on Saturday, the first such instance since the war began. The Houthis confirmed launching ballistic missiles at ‘sensitive Israeli military sites’ in southern Israel, and indicated further operations are planned.
The Iran-aligned group possesses the capability to target key shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait. They were ready to intervene if the Red Sea was used for attacks against Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipates concluding military operations within weeks.