The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes against Sanaa International Airport in the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen on Thursday, signaling the beginning of what Israeli officials describe as a new and intensified military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The strikes, which coincided with a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, are reported to have caused significant damage to the airport’s control tower and hit the Ras Katheib power station. Israeli officials have yet to release further details, and there has been no immediate confirmation from Houthi authorities. According to Israeli sources, the operation aims to achieve three key objectives: shutting down Sanaa Airport, destroying power plants in the capital, and crippling Hodeidah Seaport – a critical artery for the Houthis. “This is not a routine operation but the start of a potentially prolonged campaign,” an Israeli official told Channel 14. “As long as their acts of terror persist, the security establishment will respond with significant force.” The strikes follow recent escalations in missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis against Israel, prompting Israeli leaders to vow retaliatory action. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)