Israel strikes Yemen capital after Houthi attack; Presidential palace, fuel site hit

The official added that such munitions are more difficult to intercept and “represent additional technology provided to the Houthis by Iran”.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi, Yemen | Updated: August 25, 2025 05:14 AM IST

2 min read

Israeli airstrikes struck Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, early on Sunday. (File Photo: Representational)

Israel said on Sunday it carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting several sites including a military compound housing the presidential palace, two power stations and a fuel storage site.

The confirmation followed reports from Houthi-run al-Masirah television, which said Israeli forces struck the city early in the morning. It was the first attack on rebel-held Sanaa since 17 August, when Israel said it hit energy facilities linked to the group.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking ships in the Red Sea for nearly two years. They say their actions are in support of Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. Most projectiles launched at Israel are intercepted before reaching their targets.

An Israeli Air Force official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with military rules, said a projectile fired from Yemen on Friday night was(AP) a cluster munition.

“It was the first time the Houthis had used a cluster bomb against Israel since they began firing rockets in 2023,” the official told AP.

The official added that such weapons are harder to intercept and “represent additional technology provided to the Houthis by Iran”.

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