Israeli-Houthi Conflict: Escalation Explained
- For Israel, the deployment of submunition represents a qualitative escalation in the threat posed by the Houthis.
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Israel Strikes Yemen: Escalation in Regional Tensions – What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
updated August 25, 2024
Jakarta - On sunday, August 24, 2024, Israeli fighter jets conducted a large-scale airstrike on Sana’a, the capital city of Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation successfully targeted a complex including the Presidential Palace, two power plants, and a fuel depot. Israel asserts these facilities were being used by the Houthi group for military purposes – both to provide electricity to command centers and fuel drone operations.
Houthi authorities reported at least six people killed and nearly 90 injured, many of whom were civilians. Images and videos emerging from Sana’a depict fuel tanks engulfed in flames and damage to residential areas. While Israel has previously conducted strikes against Houthi targets, this attack was among the most severe as the opening of this new front in the conflict.
Why Did Israel React Now?
The immediate trigger for the Israeli airstrike occurred two days prior,on August 22,when Houthi forces launched a missile towards Israel. According to the IDF, this missile was equipped with submunitions – an explosive head containing smaller bomblets. The use of submunition is internationally prohibited due to the high risk of civilian casualties.
For Israel, the deployment of submunition represents a qualitative escalation in the threat posed by the Houthis. The Israeli government appears to be signaling a firm response, demonstrating its willingness not only to defend itself but also to aggressively target the sources of these threats within Yemen.
The Escalating Threat: Houthi’s New Capabilities
In recent months, the frequency and sophistication of missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen have increased. This marks a new phase in the conflict, according to self-reliant analysts.
“The new element is that Houthi appears to be integrating submunitions into their missile arsenal,” explains Hannah Porter, a Yemeni independent analyst, in an interview with DW.”Even if the missile itself is successfully intercepted, fragments or parts of the submunitions can still fall within Israel and explode upon impact. The goal is clear: to create a greater impact, even around ben Gurion Airport in Tel aviv.”
Understanding Submunition: A Perilous weapon
Submunitions are essentially cluster munitions – a single warhead that releases numerous smaller explosives over a wide area. They are considered particularly dangerous for several reasons:
Wide Area Effect: They cover a large area, increasing the risk of hitting civilian targets.
High Failure Rate: A significant percentage of submunitions often fail to detonate on impact, becoming de facto landmines that pose a long-term threat to civilians.
* Indiscriminate Nature: