In an escalation of tensions with Israel (MEES, 19 July), Yemen’s Houthis managed early on 19 July to strike Tel Aviv with a drone killing one and injuring ten. Houthi media claim the new “Yaffa” drone – named for the Arabic name for Tel Aviv – can bypass Israel’s Iron Dome defenses, but according to Israeli media human error let it pass after detection.
This follows intensifying attacks in the Red Sea, including a 16 July drone boat strike on the Chios Lion tanker, causing minor damage and a possible oil leak. So far the Houthis have sunk two ships and killed four sailors in its attacks (MEES, 21 June). (CONTINUED - 186 WORDS)