Drone from Yemen strikes Eilat, wounding 20 peoplea

A drone launched from Yemen struck the southern Israeli city of Eilat, injuring 20 people, including two seriously, Israeli military and rescue services reported on Wednesday.

24 sept 2025 - 17:15 • 2 min read

An explosion rocked the southern Israeli city of Eilat on Wednesday after a drone launched from Yemen struck the Red Sea coastal town, injuring at least 20 people, including two in serious condition, according to the Israeli military and rescue services.

The Magen David Adom emergency medical service reported that 20 individuals were transported to Yoseftal Hospital, with two men in their 60s sustaining serious limb injuries. Others suffered moderate to minor injuries.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that attempts were made to intercept the drone, but it ultimately struck the area of Eilat. Air raid sirens had sounded through the town prior to the incident. Police bomb disposal experts were examining the site and cautioned the public to avoid approaching any remnants.

This is not the first time Eilat has been targeted by drones launched from Yemen. Last week, another drone launched by the Houthi rebels made an impact in the city, although Israeli authorities reported no casualties from that incident. Earlier in September, a Houthi drone hit Ramon Airport, north of Eilat, wounding one person.

The Houthi group has been launching missiles and drones towards Israel as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The rebels, who control Sanaa and northwestern Yemen, have also been targeting vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime trade.

While Israeli media has attributed the strike to the Houthis, the Yemeni group has not yet officially claimed responsibility for the latest attack. If claimed, this incident would represent one of the most serious launched by the group in terms of casualties.

In July 2024, a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv resulted in one death and 10 injuries. In response to Houthi actions, Israel has conducted retaliatory bombings in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Earlier in September, the Houthi-run health ministry reported 35 fatalities in Israeli strikes on Sanaa and al-Jawf province. In August, the Houthis stated that their self-proclaimed Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi was killed in an Israeli air strike.