At least 20 people were injured in southern Israel after a drone launched from Yemen struck the Red Sea resort town of Eilat according to rescuers and the Israeli military.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the drone hit the city despite interception attempts. Emergency service Magen David Adom said 20 people were taken to Yoseftal Hospital with two suffering severe limb injuries.
Israeli media linked the strike to Yemen’s Houthi group though the group has not officially claimed responsibility. Live footage broadcast on Israeli TV showed smoke rising from the impact site while verified videos posted online captured the drone moments before it disappeared behind buildings.
IDF troops and police were deployed to secure the area and evacuate the injured while helicopters assisted in emergency transfers. Authorities urged residents to remain in protected zones when alerts sound.
Eilat, a popular tourist hub, has been hit by several drone attacks in recent months. The Houthis have also escalated drone and missile strikes on Israel as well as targeting ships in the Red Sea in what they call support for Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi controlled areas in Yemen including the Red Sea port of Hudaydah and the capital Sanaa. Dozens have been killed in recent retaliatory attacks deepening the conflict’s regional impact.
