Houthi militants launched a “massive” rocket and drone attack targeting key military sites, prompting Israel to vow a response.
Houthi Rocket Assault and Threats
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sari stated the group conducted a “massive missile and drone attack” against “several key military targets.” The attack coincided with strikes from Iran and Hezbollah, operating from Lebanon.
The Houthis are threatening further attacks, with Sari adding they will continue until “the enemy stops attacks and aggression.” Previously, the rebels claimed their attack was a response to Israeli military actions against Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestinian territories. On Saturday, March 28th, Israeli armed forces reported intercepting a maneuvering projectile fired by the Houthis from Yemen.
Israeli Official Vows Retaliation
A high-ranking Israeli Defense Forces official told Kan News that Israel was prepared for a Houthi attack since the outbreak of conflict on February 28th, when the US and Israel launched initial strikes against Iran.
The official stated, “We are not confused. We continue to attack Iran with all our might. We will choose when and how to strike the Houthis, according to our assessment of the situation. They will pay for it.”
Potential US Involvement and Broader Conflict
Former US officials told The Telegraph that Houthi involvement in the Middle East war will likely result in a US attack on Yemen and escalate the conflict.
A former Pentagon official, Michael Rubin, stated, “This is no longer a war with Iran. It is quickly becoming a war over energy flows and freedom of navigation. Every time freedom of navigation has been challenged, it has led to military action.”
Houthi Threat to Red Sea Shipping
The Houthis have declared their readiness to blockade the Red Sea, potentially closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which approximately 30 percent of Israeli imports pass.