Houthi Missile Strikes Jaffa Playground, Injuring 16 as Regional Tensions Escalate

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at central Israel overnight Friday into Saturday… and it was not intercepted. It struck near a Jaffa playground and injured 16 people. The attack, which followed failed interception attempts, caused damage to nearby buildings, shattering windows and leaving residents terrified. Many described running for shelter as sirens blared, but some didn’t make it in time and faced the explosion unprotected. Emergency teams from Magen David Adom treated victims for minor injuries, anxiety, and smoke inhalation, while firefighters searched damaged buildings for additional casualties. This missile strike occurred just two days after another Houthi attack and came despite Israeli Air Force strikes on Houthi strongholds in Yemen earlier this week. 

In response, The United States carried out airstrikes in Yemen’s rebel-held capital. U.S. forces targeted a Houthi missile storage center and a command-and-control facility to disrupt further attacks. They also intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. The U.S. military said the strikes aim to protect regional allies, international shipping, and coalition forces.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched another ballistic missile at Israel early Tuesday, setting off sirens across central and southern regions for the third time in a week. The Israel Defense Forces intercepted the missile using the Arrow air defense system, which is designed to neutralize ballistic threats outside the atmosphere. Although no injuries were reported from falling debris, a 60-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after falling while rushing to a shelter, and several others were treated for minor injuries and anxiety. Houthi officials vowed to continue attacks until Israel ends its military campaign in Gaza, echoing earlier threats from Hezbollah, which reduced hostilities after suffering heavy losses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would escalate its response against the Houthis and other Iranian proxies, signaling a broader strategy to counter ongoing missile and drone strikes.