‘Zionists, Stay in Shelters’: Houthis Threaten Retaliation Against Israel Following Devastating Strike on Sanaa Airport

Latest Developments

• $500 Million in Damages: Israel’s strike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen — controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels — caused $500 million in losses, the airport’s director claimed on May 7. “The enemy destroyed the terminals at Sanaa airport, including all equipment and devices,” Khaled al-Shaief said, adding that the IDF also “completely leveled” a warehouse. Israel additionally destroyed six planes at the airport, including three belonging to national carrier Yemenia Airways.
• Israel Not Part of Ceasefire Deal With U.S.: The Houthis’ chief negotiator, Mohammed Abdul Salam, clarified that an Omani-brokered ceasefire deal with the United States did not preclude the terrorist organization from continuing its attacks on Israel. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member and former president of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council, boasted that the ceasefire deal was “a victory that severs American support for the temporary entity and a failure for [Israeli premier Benjamin] Netanyahu, and he must submit his resignation.”
• Aggression Against Israel Will Continue: Shortly after the deal’s announcement, Houthi President Mahdi al-Mashat said that the group would not “back down from supporting Gaza, no matter the cost.” He further threatened “Zionists” to “stay in shelters, or leave your homeland immediately.” On May 7, the IDF reported intercepting a drone “launched from the east,” which often refers to projectiles launched from Yemen.

FDD Expert Response

“We cannot ignore the fact that the Houthis, backed by their patrons in Iran, chose to enter the conflict against Israel in support of Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups. Complaints about Israel causing $500 million in damage at Sanaa International Airport ring hollow, given that the Houthis lit the match. It is analogous to someone setting fire to his neighbor’s field out of spite, only for the wind to change direction and blow the flames toward his own home. The Houthis decided to wage war against the Jewish state, and now, they are facing the inevitable consequences.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The Houthis are entering a serious rebuilding phase due to the extensive damage incurred from American and now Israeli airstrikes. This includes importing weaponry from Iran. To slow the recovery process, the United States and its partners in the region should both increase naval counter-smuggling operations and pressure Oman to close land-based smuggling routes.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘They Say They Won’t Be Blowing Up Ships Anymore’: Trump Halts Bombing of Houthis Hours After Latest Israeli Strike on Yemen,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen in Response to Ballistic Missile Attacks on Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran-Backed Houthis Launch 3 Missiles, 2 Drones at Israel Over 2 Days,” FDD Flash Brief

“President Trump announces ceasefire between US and Houthis,” by Bridget Toomey