Iran-backed Houthis claim responsibility for deadly drone strike in Tel Aviv
Police arrive in the explosion scene after a drone attack near the U.S. Embassy branch office, in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 19, 2024 (AA Photo)
In the early hours of July 19, 2024, a deadly drone attack struck Tel Aviv, near the U.S. Embassy branch office, killing one person and injuring four others. The attack has heightened regional tensions, with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claiming responsibility.
Details of attack
- Time and place: The drone impacted an apartment in Tel Aviv at 3:12 a.m., after entering the city from the sea.
- Casualties: One man, aged 50, was killed, and four others were injured. The fatality occurred in an apartment adjacent to the blast.
- Impact: The explosion caused significant damage and prompted emergency responses from bomb disposal experts and rescue teams.
Investigation and initial findings
- Israeli Air Force (IAF): An initial probe revealed that the explosive-laden UAV had been identified but not engaged due to human error. No warning sirens were activated. The IAF has acknowledged the failure in the air defense system, stating the incident “shouldn’t have happened” and accepting full responsibility for the lapse.
- Drone origin: The IAF believes the drone might have originated from Yemen, Iraq, or Syria. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility, although this has not been verified.
- Other incidents: Another drone heading toward Israel from the east, likely from Iraq, was shot down outside Israeli airspace by fighter jets.
Broader context and reactions
- Houthis’ statement: The Houthis announced the attack on social media, promising to reveal details of their “quality operation.”
- Military response: Following the attack, the Israeli Defense Forces increased air patrols to protect Israeli airspace and acknowledged the failure that led to the incident.
- Local authorities: Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai stated the city was on “high alert,” urging residents to follow emergency instructions.
- U.S. Embassy: It remains unclear if the U.S. Embassy branch office was the intended target. Embassy officials have not commented.
Related developments
- Regional tensions: The attack followed an IAF operation that killed two Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon. Israel’s aerial defense has faced challenges countering Hezbollah drones.
- Emergency measures: Police warned residents to avoid the explosion site and refrain from touching potential rocket remnants.
