In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Yemen’s Houthis launched several attacks against Israel on March 28, 2026. The military action included a ballistic missile and a cruise missile, both of which were intercepted by Israeli defense forces.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the attacks, stating they were conducted in support of Iran and its allies. Additionally, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone launched toward Israel’s Eilat, which was also shot down by the IDF.
This new involvement of the Houthis adds a critical dimension to the regional conflict, which has already seen extensive violence since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023. The Houthis had previously affirmed their support for Iran and its proxies but had not directly engaged in the conflict until now.
The U.S. Central Command reported the arrival of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Middle East just a day prior, on March 27, 2026, indicating a heightened military presence in the region. As of March 2026, Iranian authorities reported over 1,900 deaths in Iran due to the ongoing conflict, with additional casualties reported in Israel, Lebanon, and among U.S. troops.
According to reports, there have been 19 deaths in Israel, 1,100 in Lebanon, and 13 U.S. troops killed. The situation remains fluid, with the Houthis indicating they are prepared for direct military intervention if other countries join operations against Iran or its partners.
Yahya Saree stated, “The Yemeni Armed Forces […] carried out the first military operation, namely a salvo of ballistic missiles, which targeted sensitive military objectives of the Israeli enemy in the south of occupied Palestine.” This statement underscores the Houthis’ commitment to their role in the conflict.
As the situation develops, reactions from various governments are anticipated. Trump’s top officials have suggested that the war may conclude within weeks, despite the absence of a diplomatic breakthrough.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the attacks and their implications for the broader conflict. The international community watches closely as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.
