Tel Aviv: An Israeli airstrike reportedly hit Yemen on Sunday in what defence sources claim was a targeted attempt to assassinate a leader of the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have yet to issue an official statement on the operation.

The strike follows months of rising hostilities between Israel and the Houthis, who have launched missiles and drones toward Israel in solidarity with Palestinians since the Gaza war began in October 2023. The Houthis have openly supported Iran, condemning Israeli military action and backing Tehran's right to develop its nuclear programme.

The most recent strike, reported by The Times of Israel, adds to a series of Israeli operations in the region. Just days earlier, on June 10, Israeli warships and aircraft targeted the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. Israel accused the Houthis of using the port to smuggle weapons, threatening a potential aerial and naval blockade unless attacks ceased.

No casualties have been confirmed in the latest strike. Meanwhile, both humanitarian and strategic concerns are mounting, as the conflict risks spilling further across the Middle East with the Houthis becoming an increasingly active proxy in the Iran-Israel standoff.

Further details on the reported assassination attempt and the condition of the Houthi leader remain unknown.
(With ANI inputs)