Houthis claim responsibility of the missile strike at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport, injuring 8 people

Amid the brewing tensions in West Asia, a ballistic missile launched from Yemen has struck the perimeter of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. According to Al Jazeera, the strike has damaged the road and a vehicle, prompting the airport authorities to stop air traffic.

Shortly after the incident, the Israeli military confirmed that its defence system failed to shoot down the projectile, which hit the airport on Sunday morning. However, they made it clear that several attempts were made to intercept the missile, adding that an investigation into the matter is currently underway.

According to The Times of Israel, local paramedics noted that eight people were injured in the incident. Later, Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for carrying out the attacks against Israel. In a televised statement over the matter, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned airlines that Ben Gurion airport was “no longer safe for air travel”.

Brief suspension of flights at the airport

The strike led to a brief suspension of flights at the airport in central Israel, with some having to be redirected. Apart from this, all entrances to the airport were briefly closed while train journeys towards the site have been halted.

Israelis living in the central part of the country also heard sirens, prompting them to move into shelters. Apart from this, videos of the incident circulated online, showing the missile hit a connecting road inside the perimeter of the airport with some debris scattered on adjacent roads.

Sirens were also blaring across the Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Published images show thick smoke rising from Ben Gurion Airport. The Houthis have been attacking the attack since the start of the war in Gaza, expressing support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause.