Drone from Yemen strikes S. Israel, causing no casualties

26/12/2024 6:11

A drone launched by Yemen's Houthi forces struck southern Israel on Wednesday, causing no casualties, Israeli military and rescue service said.

Warning sirens sounded in the western Lachish area and communities near the Gaza Strip following the drone incursion. The Israeli military said in a statement that the drone, after crossing into Israeli territory, was identified and subsequently fell in an open area.

Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service confirmed no injuries were reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile also fired by the Houthis. Sirens sounded across central Israel, sending millions to shelters as a precaution against falling debris from the interception. MDA reported that nine were injured while running for shelter.

The Houthis claimed the missile attack targeted a "military facility" in Tel Aviv. They have not yet commented on the drone incident.

Houthi forces have launched sporadic missile and drone attacks targeting Israel since October last year, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with several large-scale airstrikes, the most recent of which occurred last week, resulting in at least nine deaths.