Rescuers report that 20 people were injured in the southern Israeli town of Eilat following a drone strike allegedly launched from Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the drone targeted the resort town situated along the Red Sea coastline while attempts were made to intercept it.
The injured have been transported to Yoseftal Hospital, with reports indicating that two individuals have serious limb injuries. Israeli media has indicated that this drone attack bears the hallmark of a Houthi strike; however, the Yemeni group has yet to claim responsibility.
Live footage broadcasted on Israeli TV stations depicted the aftermath of the drone strike, revealing billowing smoke at the scene. Verified social media footage illustrated the drone’s flight path shortly before it disappeared behind buildings, prompting local wildlife to scatter in a panic.
In a statement, the IDF noted that troops, along with Israel Police, were dispatched promptly after reports of a UAV attack emerged. They are involved in evacuating the area while medical helicopters were deployed to assist in transporting the injured.
Israeli citizens have been urged to seek shelter temporarily for ten minutes upon receiving an alert due to concerns over potential further strikes. Sirens warning of air threats had sounded throughout the town during the incident.
The attack is noted as particularly serious, raising alarms over the possibility of increased aggression from the Houthis. Previously, in July 2024, another drone attack attributed to the group resulted in one death and ten injuries in Tel Aviv.
Recently, Eilat has seen a surge in drone-related incidents, including a strike near its hotel district last week, though that particular incident did not result in injuries. Just earlier this month, a Houthi drone hit Ramon Airport, located north of Eilat, causing one injury.
The Houthi movement has launched various missile and drone attacks towards Israel as part of their stated solidarity actions with the Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. They have also targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea since the commencement of hostilities.
Notably, the Houthi group—backed by Iran—controls large portions of northwest Yemen, yet it does not represent the internationally recognized government. In retaliation for Houthi assaults, Israeli forces have targeted positions in Yemeni territories, including strategic areas like the port of Hudaydah.
Earlier in the month, reports emerged from the Houthi-controlled health ministry indicating that Israeli strikes had resulted in 35 fatalities in Sanaa and al-Jawf Province. Moreover, in August, an Israeli airstrike was reported to have killed Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Houthi faction.
