Yemen's Houthis claim multiple attacks on Israeli cities

Sanaa, Sep 19 (IANS) Yemen's Houthi group said it launched a long-range "hypersonic ballistic missile" and three drones on three cities in Israel.

In a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the missile targeted a military target in the city of Jaffa (Tel Aviv), while the three drones hit targets in the city of Beer Sheva and the port city of Eilat, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Eilat will remain under the continuous targeting of our military operations," Sarea said.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that a drone hit a hotel in Eilat and damaged its gate, while the missile and other drones from Yemen were intercepted. No casualties were reported.

The Israeli military says a drone launched “from the east” crashed in the southern city of Eilat, causing material damage but no casualties.

The drone reportedly fell in the city’s hotel zone.

According to Israeli media, following the launch, air defense sirens were activated in large areas of central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, sending millions rushing to shelters.

The Houthis, who control much of northwestern Yemen, have launched attacks at Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023. Israel, in response, conducts retaliatory strikes on Houthi-held areas.

The Houthis say their attacks aim to show solidarity with Palestinians, demanding an end to the war and blockade in Gaza.

--IANS

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