Israeli Air Force pilots before a mission striking Houthi terror targets in Yemen (Photo: IDF)
With the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza largely defeated, the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon severely weakened and the Assad regime no longer in power, the Houthi rebels in Yemen remain Iran’s regime’s last major terror proxy actively launching significant attacks on the Jewish state.
Israeli Air Force (IAF) personnel shared details of the recent complex Israeli aerial strike on Houthi terrorist targets in Yemen, located more than 2,000 km (almost 1,400 miles) from Israeli territory.
Lieutenant Commander D., the head of the Air Control Division, explained: “We’ve been training for orders to strike in ‘third-circle countries’ (countries that do not share a border with Israel) for a long time. This is a very large operation, and we each have our role to play.”
Israeli Air Force chief Tomer Bar in the control room during a mission striking Houthi terror targets in Yemen (Photo: IDF)
“Yesterday, we were on high alert and made preparations for the operation. There was a strong sense that it was a special and important mission and special capabilities leading to one night of execution. We accompanied dozens of aircraft, ensuring synchronization with precision and professionalism,” D. recalled.
The Israeli Air Force targeted Houthi positions after the group fired missiles at central Israel. Following repeated Houthi attacks, the IAF struck the Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeidah in July and launched another strike on Houthi targets in late September.
Israeli Air Force jet before a mission striking Houthi terror targets in Yemen (Photo: IDF)
However, the recent IAF operation eclipsed the previous strikes in scope and strategic importance.
“This is the first time we’ve attacked the capital of Yemen, Sana’a. We hit strategic sites of the Houthis and attacked the ports.” D. explained.
“We were all alert and knew our roles. It was a long strike, and we were constantly on alert. The planes reported the release of the weapons; they knew we were here, and we stayed sharp until the pilots returned home,” he continued.
The latest Israeli strike, involving three female IAF soldiers, reportedly dealt a significant blow to the Houthi militia’s ability to receive new arms shipments from the Iranian regime.
Israeli Air Force crew prepares for a mission striking Houthi terror targets in Yemen (Photo: IDF)
The Israeli military has traditionally focused on foes and targets comparatively close to Israel’s state borders. However, Iran’s proxy strategy has compelled the IAF to develop and expand long-distance offensive capabilities.
“The Air Force is the long arm of the IDF, providing responses for both short-range threats and countries in the third circle. In the end, the Air Force delivers high-quality and successful operations. Our enemy, no matter how hard they try to harm Israel, does not succeed,” D. stated.
One pilot (S.) who participated in the recent strike, stressed that the IAF has been engaged in complex and diverse aerial operations since the Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
“For the past year and a half, we’ve been working around the clock. The campaign spans all sectors, and it constantly expands and grows. We’ve been preparing for this operation for a long time. It’s an operation involving everyone in the Air Force, from the technical tower to the pilot,” S. explained. “Everyone has an impact, and that’s what makes it successful.”
