Houthis kill and injure Israelis for first time

A Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv has killed one person and injured eight others, marking the first time the Iran-backed militia has caused casualties inside Israel, authorities said Friday.

The Israeli military confirmed that the drone exploded into a house, resulting in the deaths and injuries. The Israeli Army’s Spokesperson said that the drone, identified as the Iranian-made “Samad 3”, was launched from Yemen, adding that the drone’s range has been upgraded, making it harder to intercept.

On Friday morning, the Houthi militia announced the targeting of Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv. They claimed the drone, which they dubbed “Yafa”, was designed to evade radar detection.

The Israeli military said that since the beginning of the war, dozens of drones have been launched at Israel, most of which were intercepted or shot down before entering Israeli territory.

The Military Spokesman for the Houthis, Yahya Sarea, described Tel Aviv as an “unsafe area” and threatened to launch more attacks.

The Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, “vowed to punish everyone who touches Israel or sends terrorism to it”, as reported by Israeli media outlets.

The incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict, underscoring the growing reach and capability of Houthi forces. It also highlights the persistent threat posed by Iranian-made drones in the region.