Israel has launched its first-ever attack on Yemen's capital, Sana'a.

According to an official statement from the Israel Defense Forces, the objective of the attack on Sanaa was to destroy the energy infrastructure that the Houthis use for military operations — including for attacks against Israel.

As a result, electricity was cut off in most areas controlled by the Houthis. Additionally, the ports of Ras Issa, Hodeidah, and As Salif were attacked, and nearby tugboats were damaged.

The strike was a response to a missile attack from Yemen on Israel that same night. Air raid sirens were activated in more than 20 locations across Israel. A missile launched by the Houthis was intercepted outside of Israeli airspace, but debris from the interceptor fell on Israeli territory. Damage occurred to an elementary school in Ramat Gan, as well as to adjacent buildings and vehicles. There were no reported injuries.

According to Israeli media, this marks the eighth attack from Yemen on Israel in the past month and the second in three days. Israel last targeted Yemen on September 29, when the ports of Ras Issa and Hodeidah were struck.

• The Houthis control a significant portion of Yemen. In October of last year, they announced their involvement in the conflict alongside the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU, against Israel. Houthi attacks have disrupted international trade on a key route between Europe and Asia (up to 15% of global trade passes through the Red Sea). Some shipping companies have suspended operations in the region, redirecting vessels on a longer and more expensive route around Africa.

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