Iraqi resistance fighters reportedly targeted a military air base in Eilat, southern Israel, with a drone, in response to the killing of Palestinian civilians and ongoing conflict in Gaza. The incident was confirmed by Iraqi sources, who stated it was part of their ongoing operations against Israel. Israeli news outlets Yedioth Ahronoth confirmed that alarms were triggered in Eilat due to the presence of unidentified drones, and mentioned an explosion and a drone interception. Videos shared on social media showed a projectile hitting an area on the coast of Eilat.
In a related event, Yemen's Houthi rebels were reported to have targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden and Eilat, early Wednesday morning. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a missile impacted near a merchant vessel off Aden’s coast, without causing damage or injuries. The Israeli military acknowledged a drone incident near Eilat, noting that it did not enter Israeli territory and was monitored throughout, culminating in the launch of an interceptor.
The Houthis, although previously targeting Eilat with drones and missiles, did not immediately claim responsibility for these new attacks. They have a history of targeting vessels perceived to be linked to Israel, the U.S., or Britain, impacting over 60 ships to date. The Iranian-flagged, Greek-managed container ship MSC Sarah V was among their recent targets, with Houthi spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree alleging the use of a new ballistic missile in the attack.