Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen Escalate Conflict: Dozens Dead, Journalists Among Victims

By Manisha Sahu– America News World

Sanaa / Al-Jawf, Yemen – On September 10, 2025, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa and the al-Jawf governorate, hitting military, media, and infrastructure targets in one of the most serious escalations in the region in recent months. According to Houthi authorities, at least 46 people were killed and 165 injured; among the dead are dozens of journalists.

What Happened

The strikes hit multiple locations in Yemen, including:

• Military camps allegedly used by the Houthi movement.
• A fuel storage facility.
• The headquarters of the Houthis’ propaganda and public relations division.
• Command and control infrastructure reportedly between two mountains near Sanaa.

Residents reported damage to the Houthi-defence ministry building in Sanaa. Meanwhile, government compounds in al-Hazm (capital of al-Jawf) were also struck.

Casualties and Civilian Impact

According to reports from the Houthi-run Health Ministry:

• 46 people killed, 165 wounded.
• At least 35 dead, 131 injured in initial tallies.

Among those killed were not just Houthi fighters but also journalists. Several media offices were hit, including those of the 26 September newspaper. At least 9 journalists were confirmed killed in attacks on the newspaper’s facilities. Human Rights Watch and Yemeni journalist unions have condemned what they call targeting of media workers.

Damage extended to residential neighborhoods in Sanaa, including the Al-Tahrir area, and a medical facility on 60th Street.

Israeli Claims & Houthis’ Response

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes were retaliation for recent attacks by the Houthis, including:

• Unmanned aerial drones
• Surface-to-surface missiles launched toward Israeli territory

The IDF says the targets were military camps, the propaganda apparatus of the Houthis, and a fuel depot, all of which it claims directly support Houthi military operations.

The Houthis, on the other hand, claim significant civilian harm, accusing Israel of exceeding bounds under international law by striking media facilities, residential areas, and medical facilities. They have vowed retaliation and condemned the strikes as part of a wider campaign.

International Response & Legal Concerns

• Human Rights Watch called out the attack on media workers as a grave violation, underlining that civilian broadcasting facilities are not legitimate military targets merely because of their content or affiliation.
• The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Yemeni Journalists Syndicate demanded an independent investigation into the casualties among journalists and the media infrastructure.

These events come amid mounting international concern over civilian casualties and potential violations of international humanitarian law. Observers note the principle of proportionality, a key tenet in armed conflict law, appears in question when civilian infrastructure and non-combatants are harmed.

Wider Context

The September 10 strikes form part of an ongoing escalation between Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been increasingly entangled with the broader war in Gaza.

In recent weeks, tensions escalated further after Israel carried out a strike in Doha, Qatar, targeting what it said were Hamas operatives. That act triggered sharp criticism from multiple governments.

The Houthis have in turn responded by launching drones and missiles toward Israel, and targeting ships in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians and resistance against what they consider Israeli aggression. Israel asserts its operations are defensive.

What This Means Going Forward

• With journalists among the dead, pressure is growing for international investigations. Media rights groups and NGOs are likely to increase scrutiny.
• The targeting of media and propaganda infrastructure raises questions about how the laws of war are being interpreted and applied by all sides.
• The humanitarian impact in Yemen, already fragile due to years of conflict, may worsen. Disruption of medical facilities, displacement of residents, and damage to infrastructure could deepen suffering.
• Diplomatic fallout is likely. Some countries and blocs have already proposed sanctions or condemnations. The European Union is considering measures over Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war, which may get more united response due to incidents like this.

Bottom line: The September 10 strikes mark a serious escalation both in terms of scale and the involvement of media casualties. As reactions intensify, the line between military necessity and civilian protection will once again be under the spotlight, with potential legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic consequences.