Sana/Tel Aviv : Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified continuous missile and drone attacks on Israel, raising tensions in the Middle East. Surprised by these attacks by the Houthis, US President Donald Trump has ordered massive airstrikes on Houthi bases in Yemen, calling for the "complete elimination" of the rebels. This development is related to Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and targeting Israel in the name of Palestinian support amid the Gaza war. Let us analyze this situation based on facts and latest developments.
Houthi attacks: Hypersonic missiles on Israel
Houthi rebels launched more than 400 missile and drone attacks on Israel in 2024 and 2025, many of which were thwarted by Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow defense systems. In recent attacks, the Houthis used hypersonic ballistic missiles, which covered a distance of 2040 kilometers in just 11.5 minutes to reach central Israel.
Main attacks:
- 15 September 2024: The Houthis fired a hypersonic missile over central Israel, which Israel destroyed in the air. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sari claimed the attack caused "panic among 2 million Jews."
- 27 April 2025: The Houthis fired a missile at Nevatim Air Base in Israel's Negev, the second attack in 48 hours. The Israeli military thwarted it, and there were no casualties.
- 19 March 2025: The Houthis, in collaboration with Hamas, fired two hypersonic missiles ("Palestine 2") at southern Israel, which Israel destroyed with the Arrow system.
The Houthi attacks are aimed at showing Palestinian support amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. They are also targeting Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, which has affected global trade through the Suez Canal.
Trump takes tough stand: Orders attack on Houthis
US President Donald Trump orders massive military action in Yemen, terming Houthi attacks as "piracy and terrorism". US airstrikes, which began on 15 March 2025, targeted Houthi bases, oil refineries, missile launchers, and airports.
Trump's statement:
"The Houthis attacked US ships, aircraft, and allies. Their violence has caused billions of dollars in damage. I have ordered the US military to take decisive action against the Houthi terrorists,"
Trump wrote on Truth Social. He warned the Houthis that there would be a "rain of destruction".
Impact of attacks:
- March 16, 2025: 31 Houthis killed, 101 injured in US attacks.
- April 27, 2025: 2 killed, 10 injured in attacks in Sana'a. Houthi-held cargo ship Galaxy Leader also attacked.
- November 13, 2024: 10 Houthis killed in drone attacks in al-Bayda.
- Cost: US has spent $1 billion on Houthi campaign since March 2025, but Houthi attacks show no signs of stopping.
Trump also warned Iran of "serious consequences" if it does not stop supporting the Houthis.
Houthi retaliation
Houthi rebels have refused to give up despite US attacks. They have carried out drone and missile attacks on US warships, such as the USS Harry S Truman, and aircraft carriers. The Houthis claimed they shot down 20 US MQ-9 Reaper drones, 16 of which were destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sari said, "Our actions are in support of the Palestinian people. Israel and US attacks cannot stop us." The Houthis have threatened to expand the attack to the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli response
Israel carried out major airstrikes on Yemen's Hudaydah port in response to Houthi attacks. On 21 July 2024, Israeli F-15 jets attacked Houthi positions after a drone attack on Tel Aviv, killing 6 people and injuring 80.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "The Houthis will pay a heavy price. We will teach a lesson in the Middle East." Israel also warned of targeting Houthi leaders.
Rising tensions in the Middle East
Houthi attacks and US-Israeli actions are raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. The Houthis are receiving weapons and hypersonic missile technology from Iran, increasing their strength. Attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea affected the global supply chain, causing oil prices to rise 5%.
There is a heated debate on this issue on X. One user wrote, "Houthi missiles are a threat to Israel, but Trump's military operation could further destabilize the Middle East." Another said, "Trump's tough stance is necessary, otherwise the Houthis will hold the Red Sea hostage."
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