SANAA: Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Wednesday said they had fired cruise missiles “deep inside” Israel, although there was no confirmation from Israeli authorities.

The statement by the Houthis’ armed forces came after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel late on Tuesday, deepening the conflict in the region.

“The missile force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a military operation targeting military sites deep inside the Zionist entity (Israel) in occupied Palestine with three Quds 5 cruise missiles,” the statement said.

“The missiles were able to successfully reach their targets amid the enemy’s secrecy about the results of the operation.”

The timing of the Houthis’ claimed attack was not clear. The Houthi fighters, backed by Iran, have repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians, since the Gaza conflict on Oct 7.

The group said the continuous support to Israel from the United States and the United Kingdom will put their interests ‘under fire’. “We will not hesitate in broadening our military operations against the Israeli enemy and who is behind it until the aggression against Gaza and Lebanon ends,” Saree added.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2024