The Israeli Air Force today (Tuesday) struck the international airport in Sana’a, Yemen, in response to the missile fire by the Houthi terror organization toward Ben Gurion Airport two days ago. A control tower, terminal, and aircraft carriers on the groud were reportedly destroyed. Additionally, power stations and a cement factory were bombed. Shortly before the strike, the IDF Arabic-language spokesperson called on civilians to evacuate the airport.
Live updates | Hour by hour
16:04 – IDF: We Disabled Sana’a Airport; Power Stations and Cement Plant Also Struck
“The Air Force recently carried out a strike and destroyed infrastructure belonging to the Houthi terrorist organization at the main airport in the Sana’a area, rendering it completely inoperative. This action followed the Houthi terrorist organization’s missile fire at Ben Gurion Airport.
The airfield, similar to the Hodeidah Port that was struck last night, is used by the Houthi terrorist organization for the transfer of weapons and personnel, and is routinely operated by the Houthi regime for terrorist purposes. This is yet another example of the Houthi terrorist organization’s use of civilian infrastructure for acts of terror.”
15:48 – Reports indicate that the runway, control tower, terminal, and aircraft on the ground were destroyed in the strike.
15:41 – Report: Not only was the airport hit; a power station, cement plant, and Houthi bases were also targeted.
Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthis sites in Sanaa, Yemen. pic.twitter.com/ZHcFBU3bKc
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) May 6, 2025
15:36 – Arab media outlets publish footage from the strikes.
15:31 – Report: Airstrikes begin at Sana’a airport.
15:30 – Saudi channel “Al-Hadath” reports an “alert” about Israeli warplanes entering Yemeni airspace.
15:22 -IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet chief approve operational plans to expand maneuver in Gaza:
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and members of the General Staff Forum are now conducting an assessment and approving operational plans at Southern Command for expanding the ground maneuver in Gaza under Operation “Gideon’s Chariots.”
15:21 – Roads leading to the Sana’a airport were closed, and entry was banned.
15:17 – Report: Panic among residents and workers at shops around Sana’a airport.
15:15 – Report on Al-Hadath: The Sana’a airport was fully evacuated of workers following the IDF warning.
15:05 – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
15:03 – Report on Al-Arabiya: Expectation that the Israeli strike will occur within an hour.
14:41 – IDF Arabic-language spokesperson calls for airport evacuation:
“For your safety – evacuate the area of Sana’a airport immediately and warn those around you. Failure to evacuate may expose you to real danger,” the IDF Spokesperson said in a message. The warning was issued with a marked map and emphasized as a serious reminder: “Failure to distance yourself from the area endangers your life.”
A rare warning
This was an exceptional warning – not only because of the strike’s target, but also as it marked one of the first times the IDF Arabic spokesperson directly addressed civilians in a country without a shared border with Israel. Avichay Adraee, a prominent figure in IDF influence campaigns in the Arab world, is now extending his messaging to Yemen as well.
About 20 fighter jets and 50 munitions struck Yemen yesterday
The evacuation call follows the IDF’s airstrike yesterday on Hodeiydah Airport and other Houthi terror targets in Yemen, involving about 20 fighter jets and 50 bombs. Targets destroyed included military infrastructure, command centers, and a cement factory used for building terror tunnels.
The background to the strikes – the long-range missile fired at Ben Gurion Airport, launched from Yemen by the Houthi regime backed by Iran. Recent alerts suggest Israel will no longer limit itself to targeted strikes – it may expand operations to other strategically significant locations, such as Sana’a’s main international airport.
Meanwhile in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly left his legal hearing at the District Court regarding the “Case 1000–4000” corruption trials. Prior to what was supposed to be a continuous session until 8 p.m., Netanyahu announced he would need to conduct a “diplomatic call” at 3:30 p.m.
