Israeli airstrikes retaliate after Houthi missile attack using cluster munitions

In Yemen, on August 24, 2025, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes against positions held by the Houthi movement in the capital city of Sana'a. This military action followed a missile attack on Israel conducted by the Houthis just days prior, during which they employed a cluster warhead, a munitions type that is banned internationally due to its potential for widespread destruction. The missile hit a private residence in the central Israeli town of Ginaton, causing property damage but no injuries. The airstrikes from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) involved targeting strategic sites believed to be used for military operations by the Houthis, including the presidential palace, power stations, and fuel storage facilities. The IDF emphasized that the strikes were a direct response to the increasing aggression from the Houthi regime against Israel, which has included repeated missile and drone strikes on Israeli territory. Furthermore, the spokesperson for the IDF clarified that the presidential palace was part of a larger military complex utilized by Houthi leaders for planning assaults against Israel. Reports from Sana'a indicated widespread damage following the airstrikes, with residents describing significantly loud explosions that rocked their homes. The Houthi-controlled health ministry reported casualties, noting at least two fatalities and numerous injuries. Local media also shared footage showing extensive fires resulting from the attacks, notably at oil company facilities. The ongoing conflict has seen the Houthis, who are supported by Iran, increasingly target Israel in solidarity with Palestinian groups. They have declared that their military operations will continue until perceived aggression against both their interests and those of Palestine cease. The airstrikes represent a continuing cycle of military escalation in the region, reflecting the volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics.