The Houthis launched a significant attack against Israel on Sunday, April 13th, using two ballistic missiles. One was a “Falasteen-2” hypersonic missile that targeted the “Sdot Micha” base east of occupied Ashdod—a facility used for launching “Jericho” missiles and housing “Hetz” missile batteries.
Their second missile, identified as a “Zulfiqar” type, struck Ben Gurion Airport near Jaffa (Tel Aviv region). Houthi drone forces also hit “a vital site” in occupied Ashkelon during the same operation.
“Both operations successfully achieved their objectives,” the Yemeni Armed Forces stated in their official communication.
The Houthis have consistently maintained that their attacks on Israel will continue until the siege and aggression against Gaza ends. Their message to both Israel and the United States remains defiant.
“The Israeli enemy, along with the Americans, must realise that beloved Yemen, its leadership, people, and army will not back down from its steadfast position in supporting and backing the oppressed Palestinian people,” their statement declared.
In a separate development, Yemeni air defences shot down an American MQ-9 drone on Sunday while it was operating in the airspace of Hajjah Governorate. The drone was reportedly downed with a “locally manufactured surface-to-air missile.”
This marks the fourth US drone the Houthis have destroyed in two weeks and the nineteenth since the beginning of what they call the “Promised Conquest and Sacred Jihad” in support of Gaza.
The US has responded with airstrikes on Yemen. American warplanes targeted a ceramic factory near Sana’a and conducted additional strikes in Al-Jawf province. Initial reports indicate the Sana’a strikes killed five people and wounded thirteen.
Despite these American counterattacks, the Houthis insist their military capabilities remain intact. “The Armed Forces reiterate that their military capabilities have not been affected, and that the ongoing American aggression against our country will only bring more disappointment and failure,” their statement noted.
Sayyed Al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Palestinian cause. “We remain steadfast and resolute in our position for the Palestinian people and their dear mujahideen, along with comprehensive military action against the ‘israeli’ enemy in imposing a complete naval blockade and targeting the zionist enemies with rockets and drones deep into Palestine,” he said.
The Houthis’ actions have earned praise from Palestinian resistance groups. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Martyr Izz El-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, paid tribute to Yemen’s support, saying: “We felt how much they resemble Gaza and how Gaza resembles them, in greatness, pride, defiance, and dignity. Their vigour astonished the world.”
As the Houthis attack Israel and resist American pressure, their campaign represents one of the most direct military interventions by any Arab force in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The movement appears determined to continue this strategy despite increasing costs.
“This support will not cease until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted,” the Yemeni Armed Forces declared, concluding their statement with: “Victory to Yemen and to all the free people of the nation.”
