Missile launched at Israel from Yemen intercepted, Israeli army says. - Reuters

Missile launched at Israel from Yemen intercepted, Israeli army says. - Reuters

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a missile launched from Yemen was successfully intercepted before entering Israeli territory early on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The interception followed a series of recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels against Israel and maritime traffic in the region.

The missile was reportedly launched by the Houthis, who have been increasingly active in their attacks on Israel and ships perceived as affiliated with Israel. The Houthi slogan, "Death to America, Death to Israel, a Curse on the Jews," reflects their broader political and religious motivations. These attacks have been in response to the ongoing Israeli offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the blockage of aid entering the enclave.

The IDF stated that the missile was intercepted by air defenses and that there were no reports of injuries or damage. This interception comes amidst a month-long U.S. airstrike campaign targeting the Houthis in Yemen. The campaign, which began on March 15, aims to counter the Houthi threat to global shipping and Israel. The Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two and killing four sailors, significantly disrupting trade through the Red Sea corridor.

The U.S. airstrikes have faced challenges in assessing their effectiveness due to the Houthis' control over affected areas and their lack of complete reporting on the strikes. The Houthis have also claimed to have shot down several U.S. drones, including an MQ-9 Reaper drone on Tuesday, April 23, 2025. The U.S. military acknowledged the report but did not provide further details.

This latest interception by the IDF underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the complex dynamics between various actors, including Israel, the Houthis, the U.S., and Iran.

References:
[1] https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-downs-houthi-missile-fired-from-yemen-that-triggered-sirens-in-south/
[2] https://apnews.com/article/yemen-us-airstrikes-iran-houthis-04-23-2025-edcdc10675178db11dc488b6f11d14db
[3] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2598492/middle-east