Yemen-Backed Drone Attack Injures 20 in Israel's Eilat

Tue Sep 30 2025 02:22:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A drone launched from Yemen has struck the resort town of Eilat in southern Israel, injuring at least 20 individuals, with the Iranian-backed Houthi group claiming responsibility for the strike.

In a significant drone attack, at least 20 people were reported injured in Eilat, Israel, after a drone launched from Yemen struck the popular resort town. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed attempts to intercept the drone, but it managed to hit the area, leading to serious injuries among the victims. The Houthi group took responsibility for the strike, calling it a successful operation against 'Israeli enemy targets'. This incident marks one of the more severe attacks launched by the Houthis, raising concerns about further escalations in the region.

Rescuers say at least 20 people have been injured in southern Israel after the Israeli military said a drone was launched from Yemen.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the drone struck the resort town of Eilat, with attempts made to intercept it.

The Magen David Adom emergency medical service reported that 20 individuals were taken to Yoseftal Hospital, including two men with serious limb injuries.

The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike following the attack.

Spokesman for the group, Yahya Sarea, asserted that two drones targeted two Israeli enemy targets in a successful operation.

Israeli TV stations broadcast live footage of the drone strike and the area it hit, showing billowing smoke rising from the site.

Footage posted on social media, verified by the BBC, captured a drone in the sky disappearing out of view, shortly before it struck and caused panic as nearby birds scattered.

IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched to Eilat after a report of a UAV attack, the IDF announced. The military added that troops and police were assisting in evacuating the area, and a helicopter was deployed to airlift the injured.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz expressed good wishes for the injured, warning of severe repercussions for the Houthis, stating, Anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.

This attack is among the most serious by the Houthis, with injuries reported just days after another drone strike targeted Eilat. Earlier in September, a Houthi drone had hit Ramon Airport, resulting in one injury.

These assaults are framed by the Houthis as solidarity actions with Palestinians amid continued conflict in Gaza. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Earlier in September, the Houthi health ministry reported 35 casualties from Israeli strikes in Sanaa and al-Jawf province, and significant events such as the death of the Houthi's Prime Minister were also attributed to Israeli military actions.