Houthi Drone Attack on Israeli Airport Injures Two

Darwin, September 8 — At least two people were injured after a Houthi-launched drone from Yemen struck the arrival terminal of Ramon Airport, near the Israeli Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. The drone attack forced the suspension of all operations at the airport for nearly two hours, according to Israel’s Airports Authority.

Al Jazeera reported that the incident occurred on Sunday night, local time. The Israeli military stated that the drone launched from Yemen hit the airport area, after which an investigation was initiated. Following security checks and clearance, the airport resumed operations.

Authorities said that full operations resumed after meeting international civil aviation standards and receiving final clearance from the Air Force. The first flight from Ramon Airport was scheduled to depart for Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military further confirmed that two out of three drones launched from Yemen earlier were intercepted. However, no further details were provided about the third drone.

According to Israeli daily Haaretz, a 63-year-old man was injured by shrapnel and a 52-year-old woman was hurt after falling during the chaos. Both were taken to a hospital in Eilat. Several others at the scene were treated for panic-related symptoms.

Israel Army Radio reported that preliminary investigations revealed the drone had evaded the Air Force’s surveillance systems entirely.

Ramon Airport primarily serves domestic flights. It is located near the popular tourist resort of Eilat, close to the borders of Jordan and Egypt.

The Houthis claim they are launching missiles and drones at Israel as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinians. Since the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, the Houthis have also targeted ships in the Red Sea. However, they have not yet made any public statement regarding the attack on Ramon Airport.

Israel has previously carried out several airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. Last month, Israeli forces bombed the port city of Hodeidah, killing several senior Houthi leaders including the group’s prime minister. Civilian casualties were also reported.

Earlier in May, a Houthi missile struck near Israel’s main Ben Gurion International Airport, injuring four people. Several airlines suspended flights to Israel for months. In retaliation, Israel destroyed the main airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.