Tel Aviv [Israel], June 28 (ANI): A ballistic missile launched at Israel by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants was “apparently successfully” intercepted on Saturday morning, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), The Times of Israel reported. There were no injuries or reported impact damage.
Sirens were sounded across key areas in southern Israel, including Beersheba, Dimona, Arad, and surrounding localities, following the detection of the incoming missile. Prior to the sirens, residents received push notifications alerting them of a long-range missile attack, giving about four minutes’ notice before the warning systems activated.
The Houthi rebels later claimed responsibility for the missile launch, declaring in a statement that they had targeted a “sensitive Israeli enemy target” in Beersheba. “The operation successfully achieved its goal, thanks be to Allah,” the group asserted.
Since November 2023, following the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel, the Houthis have regularly launched attacks against Israeli and maritime targets. Although they observed a brief pause during the January 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the group resumed hostilities in March when the IDF renewed its offensive operations in Gaza.
As per The Times of Israel, the Houthis have since fired at least 52 ballistic missiles and 13 drones at Israel. While some of the projectiles have fallen short of their targets, the Houthis remain the most persistent regional threat currently engaging in attacks on Israeli territory. Their previous attacks included a missile strike in July 2024 that killed a civilian and wounded several others in Tel Aviv, triggering Israel’s first direct strike in Yemen.
Other regional hostilities have seen a lull. Iran recently concluded a 12-day missile campaign, and Hezbollah has refrained from rocket fire following a ceasefire agreement in November 2024.
Meanwhile, amid escalating tensions, the IDF issued evacuation warnings to civilians in central Gaza. The Arabic-language statement by IDF spokesperson Avichai Adraee specifically urged residents in Nuseirat, Al-Zahraa, and Al-Mughraqa—as well as several northern coastal neighborhoods—to evacuate immediately.
“The IDF is operating with tremendous force to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations in these areas and will attack any area used to launch rockets,” Adraee warned. “For your safety, evacuate immediately southward to the Al-Mawasi area and do not return to dangerous combat zones. The terrorist organizations continue to bring disaster upon you—evacuate immediately.”
This latest incident underscores the continuing volatility in the region, as Israel grapples with multifront threats while pressing forward with its military objectives in Gaza. (ANI)
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