Amid growing regional tensions, the Israeli Navy struck a site in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Sunday. According to the Israel Defence Force (IDF), the attack targeted a “terrorist infrastructure site” connected to the Houthi regime.

Explosions Reported Near Power Plant

Local Yemeni media and Reuters reported at least two explosions in the city. Sources said the blast hit the Haziz power plant in southern Sanaa. Mashal al-Rifi, CEO of the Sanaa Electric Corporation, confirmed to local media that the facility “was under attack, causing a temporary power outage.”Houthis Condemn the Attack. Houthi political bureau member Hazam al-Asad strongly criticized Israel’s move. On his social media platform X, he alleged that “a criminal enemy targets only civilian service facilities – electricity and water.”

Meanwhile, a civil defence source told Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV that the strike damaged the plant’s generators in the Sanhan area. The source added, “Our teams are working to extinguish the fire caused by the incident.”

IDF Explains the Strike

In its official statement, the IDF revealed that the attack was launched from a distance of 2,000 kilometres, deep inside Yemen. The military clarified that the strikes aimed at an energy infrastructure site used by the Houthis. It also said the operation came in direct response to repeated Houthi attacks, including missile and UAV launches toward Israel.

The IDF further stressed, “The Houthi terrorist regime operates under the direction and funding of the Iranian regime to harm the State of Israel and its allies. It exploits the maritime domain to project force and carry out terror activity against global shipping and trade routes.”The statement concluded with a warning: “The IDF will continue operating against the ongoing and repeated attacks and remains determined to remove any threat to the State of Israel wherever required.”

Previous Israeli Strikes in Yemen

This was not the first time Israel targeted Yemen. About a month ago, the Israeli Air Force launched Operation Long Shadow against Houthi positions at the port of Hodeidah. Those strikes hit military infrastructure, fuel tanks, and vessels allegedly used in operations against Israel.