Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels are escalating their campaign against Saudi Arabia, targeting Saudi interests and threatening critical energy and maritime infrastructure.

The latest escalation comes after Saudi Arabia signed a new defence pact with Türkiye and Pakistan, raising questions over how the new alliance could respond to attacks from the Houthis. Reuters reported that a Houthi drone attack targeted Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, with the fire subsequently extinguished and no casualties reported.

Yemen's Houthis Attack Saudi Targets, Ally Pakistan Watches on 

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they have shot down a Saudi-operated reconnaissance drone over Al Bayda Governorate, marking another escalation in regional tensions. The announcement comes after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of targeting Sana'a International Airport and vowed retaliation.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has extended its monitoring of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The United States urged stronger enforcement of the arms embargo, accusing the Houthis of acting as an Iranian proxy, while China criticized Washington's role in fueling regional instability

Houthis shoot down Saudi drone | Red Sea crisis deepens | UN extends Houthis ' shipping monitoring 

A drone launched from Yemen struck the Israeli city of Eilat in the southern part of the country on Wednesday (September 24), leaving at least 20 people wounded, two seriously. The nature of the injuries—whether caused by the drone itself or by interception efforts—remains unclear. The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have previously targeted Israel with drone and missile strikes, citing their support for Palestinians in Gaza. Most of these attacks have been intercepted or resulted in minimal damage, with no casualties.&nbsp;The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they had attempted to intercept the missile, and emergency rescue teams were immediately deployed to the scene. The Magen David Adom rescue service reported evacuating the injured to a nearby hospital, with two victims suffering significant shrapnel wounds. "IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched to the area of Eilat after receiving a report of a UAV attack," the IDF said in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-has-never-sought-and-will-never-seek-to-build-a-nuclear-bomb-pezeshkian-1758724830495">‘Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb’: Pezeshkian</a>&nbsp;In response to the earlier Houthi attacks, Israel has carried out retaliatory airstrikes on Yemen. The Israeli Defense Forces' statement also confirmed that both military and police personnel were sent to Eilat following the attack, and a helicopter was called in to assist with evacuations. The military advised residents to seek shelter for ten minutes upon receiving an alert.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-announces-25-000-crore-maritime-development-fund-to-boost-india-s-shipbuilding-industry-all-we-know-1758726249290">India announces ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund to boost India's shipbuilding industry — All we know</a>&nbsp;If confirmed as the work of the Houthis, this would be one of their most impactful attacks in terms of casualties. Previously, in July 2024, a drone strike in Tel Aviv killed one person and injured ten. Earlier this month, another attack near Eilat's Ramon Airport left one person wounded.

Houthi drone attack hits Israel's Eilat city; at least 20 people injured

A drone launched from Yemen struck the Israeli city of Eilat in the southern part of the country on Wednesday (September 24), leaving at least 20 people wounded, two seriously. The nature of the injuries—whether caused by the drone itself or by interception efforts—remains unclear. The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have previously targeted Israel with drone and missile strikes, citing their support for Palestinians in Gaza. Most of these attacks have been intercepted or resulted in minimal damage, with no casualties. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they had attempted to intercept the missile, and emergency rescue teams were immediately deployed to the scene. The Magen David Adom rescue service reported evacuating the injured to a nearby hospital, with two victims suffering significant shrapnel wounds. "IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched to the area of Eilat after receiving a report of a UAV attack," the IDF said in a statement. Also Read: ‘Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb’: Pezeshkian In response to the earlier Houthi attacks, Israel has carried out retaliatory airstrikes on Yemen. The Israeli Defense Forces' statement also confirmed that both military and police personnel were sent to Eilat following the attack, and a helicopter was called in to assist with evacuations. The military advised residents to seek shelter for ten minutes upon receiving an alert. Also Read: India announces ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund to boost India's shipbuilding industry — All we know If confirmed as the work of the Houthis, this would be one of their most impactful attacks in terms of casualties. Previously, in July 2024, a drone strike in Tel Aviv killed one person and injured ten. Earlier this month, another attack near Eilat's Ramon Airport left one person wounded.

A drone fired from Yemen hit Eilat in southern Israel, injured at least 20 people. Houthi rebels, backing Palestinians, claimed the responsibility

A&nbsp;drone&nbsp;claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels slipped through Israel's vaunted air defence system on Friday to hit a Tel Aviv building near a US embassy annexe, killing a civilian.

The Houthis&nbsp;fired at Tel Aviv a "new&nbsp;drone&nbsp;called 'Yafa', which is capable of bypassing the enemy's interception systems," said Yahya Saree, the Iran-backed Yemeni movement's spokesman.

The Houthis have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with numerous&nbsp;drone&nbsp;and missile attacks since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

They have previously claimed attacks on Israeli cities including Ashdod, Haifa and Eilat, but Friday's strike appears to be the first to breach Israel's intricate air defences.

It comes after the rebels threatened an escalation.

An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a "very big&nbsp;drone&nbsp;that can travel long distances" was used in the 3:12 am (0012 GMT) attack.

The&nbsp;drone&nbsp;was detected, he said, but due to "human error" the alarm was not raised in time, and it slammed into an apartment building.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-presence-in-palestinian-territories-illegal-rules-top-un-court-742450">Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories illegal, rules top UN court</a>

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel believed the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;used was Iranian-made and upgraded so it could reach Tel Aviv from Yemen -- at least 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) away.

It was "likely a Samad-3 model, which we estimate was launched from Yemen and reached Tel Aviv," he said, adding one civilian was killed and others lightly injured. Medical services said four people suffered "relatively minor" injuries.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to avenge the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;attack.

"The security system will settle the score with all who try to harm the state of Israel, or sends terrorism against it, in a decisive and surprising manner," he said in comments released on social media platform X.

<h2>'Everything blew out'&nbsp;</h2>

In grainy security camera footage, the buzz of what appeared to be the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;was followed by an explosion that shook the building and set off car alarms.

The blast occurred about 100 metres (yards) from a US embassy annexe, said an AFP journalist who saw broken windows along the street lined with apartment blocks.

"It woke me up because the vibration of the sound was like a 747 coming in," said Kenneth Davis, an Israeli who was staying in a hotel opposite the struck building.

"And then the explosion... everything blew out in the room, the windows and things from the ceiling, and it was on me, nothing heavy, but lots of pieces of stuff," he told AFPTV.

Hagari said Israel "intercepted another&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;trying to infiltrate from the east" at around the same time as the Tel Aviv attack.

"We are investigating why the&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;was not identified as a threat and intercepted before it struck," he said. "I want to emphasise that (Israel's air) defence is not impenetrable."

In recent weeks, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, has claimed&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strikes against targets in Israel, labelling many of them "joint operations" with the Houthis.

The United States and Britain launched a campaign of air strikes in January to deter Houthi attacks on ships.

The Gaza war was triggered by the October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 42 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's military retaliation to wipe out Hamas has killed at least 38,848 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where fighting raged on Friday.

<h2>'Moral stain'</h2>

Residents said clashes were heard between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli army, with explosions and shelling in the Tal al-Hawa district of Gaza City.

The war has destroyed much of Gaza's housing and other infrastructure, leaving almost all the population displaced, short of food and drinking water.

Many are living in unsanitary conditions. Health authorities in Gaza and Israel said on Thursday that a highly infectious polio virus has been detected in Gaza sewage samples.

The World Health Organization said on Friday however that so far no cases of polio had been discovered in Gaza.

"The humanitarian situation... is a moral stain on us all," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that, despite mounting pressure both at home and from abroad, there would be no let-up in Israel's campaign against Hamas.

Far-right members of his governing coalition oppose a truce deal, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who on Thursday said Netanyahu must not make a "surrender" accord with Hamas.

Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress next Wednesday.

Ahead of his trip, Israeli lawmakers passed a symbolic resolution opposing the creation of a Palestinian state -- a move criticised by the United Nations and one that clashes with US ambitions for the region.

Despite the vote, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated "our firm belief in the power and the promise of the two-state solution".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A drone claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels slipped through Israel's vaunted air defence system on Friday to hit a Tel Aviv building near a US embassy annexe, killing a civilian.

A drone claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels slipped through Israel's vaunted air defence system on Friday to hit a Tel Aviv building near a US embassy annexe, killing a civilian. The Houthis fired at Tel Aviv a "new drone called 'Yafa', which is capable of bypassing the enemy's interception systems," said Yahya Saree, the Iran-backed Yemeni movement's spokesman. The Houthis have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with numerous drone and missile attacks since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. They have previously claimed attacks on Israeli cities including Ashdod, Haifa and Eilat, but Friday's strike appears to be the first to breach Israel's intricate air defences. It comes after the rebels threatened an escalation. An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a "very big drone that can travel long distances" was used in the 3:12 am (0012 GMT) attack. The drone was detected, he said, but due to "human error" the alarm was not raised in time, and it slammed into an apartment building. Also read: Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories illegal, rules top UN court Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel believed the drone used was Iranian-made and upgraded so it could reach Tel Aviv from Yemen -- at least 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) away. It was "likely a Samad-3 model, which we estimate was launched from Yemen and reached Tel Aviv," he said, adding one civilian was killed and others lightly injured. Medical services said four people suffered "relatively minor" injuries. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to avenge the drone attack. "The security system will settle the score with all who try to harm the state of Israel, or sends terrorism against it, in a decisive and surprising manner," he said in comments released on social media platform X. 'Everything blew out' In grainy security camera footage, the buzz of what appeared to be the drone was followed by an explosion that shook the building and set off car alarms. The blast occurred about 100 metres (yards) from a US embassy annexe, said an AFP journalist who saw broken windows along the street lined with apartment blocks. "It woke me up because the vibration of the sound was like a 747 coming in," said Kenneth Davis, an Israeli who was staying in a hotel opposite the struck building. "And then the explosion... everything blew out in the room, the windows and things from the ceiling, and it was on me, nothing heavy, but lots of pieces of stuff," he told AFPTV. Hagari said Israel "intercepted another UAV trying to infiltrate from the east" at around the same time as the Tel Aviv attack. "We are investigating why the UAV was not identified as a threat and intercepted before it struck," he said. "I want to emphasise that (Israel's air) defence is not impenetrable." In recent weeks, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, has claimed drone strikes against targets in Israel, labelling many of them "joint operations" with the Houthis. The United States and Britain launched a campaign of air strikes in January to deter Houthi attacks on ships. The Gaza war was triggered by the October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 42 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's military retaliation to wipe out Hamas has killed at least 38,848 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where fighting raged on Friday. 'Moral stain' Residents said clashes were heard between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli army, with explosions and shelling in the Tal al-Hawa district of Gaza City. The war has destroyed much of Gaza's housing and other infrastructure, leaving almost all the population displaced, short of food and drinking water. Many are living in unsanitary conditions. Health authorities in Gaza and Israel said on Thursday that a highly infectious polio virus has been detected in Gaza sewage samples. The World Health Organization said on Friday however that so far no cases of polio had been discovered in Gaza. "The humanitarian situation... is a moral stain on us all," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that, despite mounting pressure both at home and from abroad, there would be no let-up in Israel's campaign against Hamas. Far-right members of his governing coalition oppose a truce deal, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who on Thursday said Netanyahu must not make a "surrender" accord with Hamas. Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress next Wednesday. Ahead of his trip, Israeli lawmakers passed a symbolic resolution opposing the creation of a Palestinian state -- a move criticised by the United Nations and one that clashes with US ambitions for the region. Despite the vote, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated "our firm belief in the power and the promise of the two-state solution". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

One killed, several injured after drone attack on Tel Aviv; Houthis claim responsibility for strike

Amid continued threats from Hamas, Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said a "laser wall" will protect the country from rockets, missiles and UAVs.

"The economic equation will be reversed,&nbsp;they will invest a lot and we will invest a little," Bennett said referring to repeated rocket&nbsp;attacks by militant groups on Israel.

The Israeli prime minister also pointed at Iran, saying: “If it is possible to intercept a missile or rocket with just an electric pulse that costs a few dollars, we will have nullified the ring of fire that Iran has set up on our borders.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/arrow-3-iron-dome-whats-next-in-israels-missile-interception-strategy-446193">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Arrow 3, Iron Dome: What's next in Israel's missile interception strategy?</a>

Bennett&nbsp;asserted that the "new generation of air defence" can also serve "friends in the region". Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system has been widely used by its forces&nbsp;to intercept incoming missiles fired by militants however the prime minister said it is expensive while citing thousands of rockets fired by Hamas in May last year during the conflict.

However, military experts have&nbsp;said the laser deployment may not be ready for years but reports say Bennett insisted it would be introduced within a year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/islamic-jihad-announces-totally-palestinian-manufactured-boraq-120-262389">Also Read: How Islamic Jihad tried to blunt Israel’s Iron Dome with ‘indigenous’ Buraq 120 rockets</a>

Israel's Iron Dome shield has the capability to intercept drones, missiles and rockets simultaneously and has been credited with helping Israel to maintain military supremacy over its neighbours.

Iron Dome was formally selected as Israel's missile defence system in 2007, the same year the Islamist group Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip.

It was originally designed to intercept rockets and artillery shells fired from a range of four to 70 kilometres. The &nbsp;Israeli Air Force has been operating it since 2011 while thwarting rocket attacks from Gaza.

Reports say each battery of the Iron Dome costs approximately $100 million with missiles costing $50,000.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid continued threats from Hamas, Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said a "laser wall" will protect the country from rockets, missiles and UAVs. "The economic equation will be reversed, they will invest a lot and we will invest a little," Bennett said referring to repeated rocket attacks by militant groups on Israel.

Amid continued threats from Hamas, Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said a "laser wall" will protect the country from rockets, missiles and UAVs. "The economic equation will be reversed, they will invest a lot and we will invest a little," Bennett said referring to repeated rocket attacks by militant groups on Israel. The Israeli prime minister also pointed at Iran, saying: “If it is possible to intercept a missile or rocket with just an electric pulse that costs a few dollars, we will have nullified the ring of fire that Iran has set up on our borders.” Also Read in Pics: Arrow 3, Iron Dome: What's next in Israel's missile interception strategy? Bennett asserted that the "new generation of air defence" can also serve "friends in the region". Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system has been widely used by its forces to intercept incoming missiles fired by militants however the prime minister said it is expensive while citing thousands of rockets fired by Hamas in May last year during the conflict. However, military experts have said the laser deployment may not be ready for years but reports say Bennett insisted it would be introduced within a year. Also Read: How Islamic Jihad tried to blunt Israel’s Iron Dome with ‘indigenous’ Buraq 120 rockets Israel's Iron Dome shield has the capability to intercept drones, missiles and rockets simultaneously and has been credited with helping Israel to maintain military supremacy over its neighbours. Iron Dome was formally selected as Israel's missile defence system in 2007, the same year the Islamist group Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip. It was originally designed to intercept rockets and artillery shells fired from a range of four to 70 kilometres. The Israeli Air Force has been operating it since 2011 while thwarting rocket attacks from Gaza. Reports say each battery of the Iron Dome costs approximately $100 million with missiles costing $50,000. (With inputs from Agencies)

Laser wall will protect us from rockets, missiles & UAVs: Israel PM Naftali Bennett

Yemen has experienced a grinding conflict for the past seven years. In the latest incident Saudi-led coalition forces targeted a prison facility in Houthi territory in Saada in which at least 70 people were killed.

Who are the Houthi rebels?

The Houthi rebels from northern Yemen had captured capital Sanaa in September 2014. The rebels are allegedly backed by Iran. They were allied to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh who had stepped down after the 2011 uprising.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-coalition-denies-it-carried-out-airstrikes-in-yemen-446595">Also Read:&nbsp;Saudi-led coalition denies it carried out airstrikes in Yemen</a>

However, backed Iran the rebels captured key areas including the Red Sea port of Hodeida as President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled to Aden on Yemen's south coast.

What is the role of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia which is Iran's bitter enemy in the region entered the conflict in 2015 and conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets as Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia. The pro-government forces captured key areas backed by coalition forces.

In 2018, the government fighters launched a major offensive as the UN intervened and ceasefire was declared. However, clashes broke out again.

In 2019, the rebels had hit Saudi Arabia's oilfields as the fighting escalated. Last year the rebels launched a major attack in the north as the US government ended&nbsp;military support to&nbsp;the coalition.

Further escalation in 2022

Earlier this month the rebels took control of an Emirati-flagged vessel in the Red Sea which it said was carrying military equipment.

On January 17, the rebels conducted drone and missile attacks on a&nbsp;oil facility in Abu Dhabi in which two Indians were killed as Saudi-led forces conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Sanaa in which 14 people were killed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Yemen has experienced a grinding conflict for the past seven years. In the latest incident Saudi-led coalition forces targeted a prison facility in Houthi territory in Saada in which at least 70 people were killed.

Yemen has experienced a grinding conflict for the past seven years. In the latest incident Saudi-led coalition forces targeted a prison facility in Houthi territory in Saada in which at least 70 people were killed. Who are the Houthi rebels? The Houthi rebels from northern Yemen had captured capital Sanaa in September 2014. The rebels are allegedly backed by Iran. They were allied to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh who had stepped down after the 2011 uprising. Also Read: Saudi-led coalition denies it carried out airstrikes in Yemen However, backed Iran the rebels captured key areas including the Red Sea port of Hodeida as President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled to Aden on Yemen's south coast. What is the role of Saudi Arabia? Saudi Arabia which is Iran's bitter enemy in the region entered the conflict in 2015 and conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets as Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia. The pro-government forces captured key areas backed by coalition forces. In 2018, the government fighters launched a major offensive as the UN intervened and ceasefire was declared. However, clashes broke out again. In 2019, the rebels had hit Saudi Arabia's oilfields as the fighting escalated. Last year the rebels launched a major attack in the north as the US government ended military support to the coalition. Further escalation in 2022 Earlier this month the rebels took control of an Emirati-flagged vessel in the Red Sea which it said was carrying military equipment. On January 17, the rebels conducted drone and missile attacks on a oil facility in Abu Dhabi in which two Indians were killed as Saudi-led forces conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Sanaa in which 14 people were killed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Explainer: Conflict in Yemen & role of Saudi-led coalition