Rescuers say at least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military stated a drone was launched from Yemen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the drone struck the resort town of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, with attempts made to intercept it.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical service confirmed that those injured were taken to Yoseftal Hospital, including two men with serious limb injuries.
The Iranian-backed Houthis have claimed responsibility for the strike, with spokesman Yahya Sarea declaring that two drones targeted “Israeli enemy targets” in a “successful” operation.
Eyewitness footage broadcasted by Israeli TV showed smoke billowing from the impact site, while social media posts captured the moments before the drone hit, as nearby birds scattered in flight.
In response to the attack, IDF troops and police were dispatched to Eilat to evacuate the area, a helicopter was deployed for medical evacuations, and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued statements condemning Houthi actions, emphasizing that “anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.”
This incident marks one of the most serious drone strikes from the Houthis, further intensifying the armed conflict which has recently seen them launching missiles towards Israel as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.
The Houthis, who control substantial portions of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have faced retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-held territories. The conflict has fueled a cycle of aggression resulting in rising casualties on both sides.
