SANA’A (Dispatches) – At least 23 people were wounded after a drone crashed and exploded in the southern occupied port city of Eilat, Israeli media reported, citing Israel’s ambulance service. Two of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The Israeli Army Radio said the drone flew at a low altitude, making it difficult for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system to intercept it. According to Israel Hayom, initial investigations revealed that multiple air defense systems failed to prevent the drone’s penetration.
Videos circulated on social media showed the drone flying over Eilat before a loud explosion was heard, followed by rising smoke columns.
Israel’s military stated that the drone was launched by Yemen’s Ansarullah, marking the latest escalation in the resistance movement’s retaliatory operations.
 Ansarullah has launched numerous drones and missiles at Israeli targets since late 2023, expressing solidarity with Palestinians under siege in Gaza.
In a recent incident days earlier, Ansarullah fired a drone that crashed in Eilat’s hotel zone, causing material damage but no casualties.
Ansarullah and allied Yemeni forces have also targeted Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, condemning the blockade and bombardment of Gaza and Israeli military actions.
Despite a ceasefire agreed in May following weeks of U.S.-led bombardment in Yemen, Ansarullah stated it would continue attacks on Israeli-linked ships and Israeli territory.
The operations have intensified after Israel airstrikes targeting Yemeni territory, including assassinating senior members of the Sana’a-based administration, including the prime minister.
The latest drone attack demonstrates the continued resolve of Yemeni forces in their campaign of resistance and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.