In brief
In a startling escalation of regional hostilities, a drone launched from Yemen struck Eilat, Israel, injuring 20 people, including two with serious injuries. While Israeli media attributes the attack to Houthi forces, no official claims have been made by the group. This incident marks significant violence in the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Israel amidst wider tensions involving Hamas.
Rescuers say 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military said a drone was launched from Yemen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, with attempts made to intercept it.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical service reported that 20 individuals were transported to Yoseftal Hospital, with two suffering serious limb injuries.
Israeli media has referred to the incident as a Houthi strike, although the Yemeni group has not yet acknowledged responsibility. Footage broadcasted by Israeli television captured the aftermath, showing smoke rising from the impacted area.
Eyewitness accounts and verified social media posts depict a drone descending behind buildings shortly before the explosion, causing chaos as birds scattered away in response.
“IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched after receiving reports of a UAV attack," the IDF statement clarified. Rescue operations were initiated, including helicopter evacuations for injured individuals.
The military advised residents to remain in protected zones for 10 minutes after receiving alerts while air raid sirens were activated throughout the town.
If confirmed as a Houthi attack, this incident would be among the most serious regarding casualties caused by their operations against Israel. Previous attacks included one in July 2024, leading to one casualty and ten injuries when a drone struck near the US embassy in Tel Aviv.
Eilat, a tourist destination, recently faced several drone threats, including a prior incident where a hotel area was targeted without casualties reported. A Houthi drone also struck Ramon Airport, situated north of Eilat, injuring one earlier in September.
The Houthi group has intensified missile and drone assaults on Israel, framing these actions as gestures of support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Iranian-backed group controls areas in Yemen yet is not recognized as the legitimate government of the country.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted air strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, targeting significant locations like the port of Hudaydah. Earlier September airstrikes reportedly resulted in 35 deaths in Yemen, including a high-profile casualty with the assassination of the Houthi Prime Minister in an Israeli strike.
