Houthis announce launch of hypersonic missile at Ben Gurion Airport
The Yemeni Armed Forces announced on Sunday that they carried out a “qualitative military operation” targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, claiming it as an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid what they described as ongoing genocide by 'Israeli' forces.
In an official statement, the military said the strike was executed using a hypersonic ballistic missile and achieved its intended goal, reportedly causing air traffic disruptions and sending “millions of Zionist settlers” into shelters. The missile targeted Lod Airport—Israel’s international gateway—referred to in the statement by its Arabic name.
Read more: Missile from Yemen intercepted as alarms sound in Jerusalem, other areas
“The Yemeni missile forces successfully struck Lod Airport in occupied Jaffa with a hypersonic ballistic missile. The operation was carried out in response to the oppression of the Palestinian people and the crimes of genocide being committed in Gaza,” the statement read.
The 'Israeli' military confirmed earlier that a ballistic missile launched from Yemen was intercepted on Sunday morning, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem, the Negev, the Judean Desert, and surrounding areas. No injuries or physical damage were reported. Air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport was briefly disrupted, with some landings delayed and planes temporarily held in the air.
The Yemeni statement claimed the operation was part of a broader campaign to impose a no-fly zone over Ben Gurion Airport and affirmed that many airlines have already complied with the restrictions, contributing to a significant reduction in air traffic.
It also warned of further military escalation in response to 'Israel’s' continued assault on Gaza, vowing to intensify operations aimed at lifting the blockade and ending the war.
“The daily massacres committed against our brothers in Gaza compel Yemen—its resilient people, faithful leadership, and fighting army—to escalate military efforts to stop the aggression and break the siege,” the statement concluded.
