A drone launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck Ramon Airport in southern Israel on Sunday, injuring one person and temporarily suspending flight operations, reports CNN, quoting the Israeli military.
The incident marks a rare successful penetration of Israel's advanced air defence systems.
The drone hit the passenger terminal, shattering glass and injuring a 63-year-old man. While damage was minimal and airport operations resumed within hours, the attack represents a significant escalation in Houthi activity against Israel.
The Iran-backed rebel group claimed responsibility for the strike, describing it as retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, which killed senior leaders, including Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi.
In a statement, Houthi military spokesperson Brig Gen Yahya Saree said eight drones were launched in the operation, warning that Israeli airports would remain potential targets. According to the Israeli military, three drones were intercepted near the Egyptian border, while investigations are ongoing to determine how the one that hit Ramon Airport evaded detection.
The Houthis have carried out multiple drone and missile attacks on Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war, often targeting southern regions and shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Although most of these attacks have been intercepted or caused limited damage, Sunday's strike is the most successful since May, when a missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport, leading to extended flight disruptions.
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