Aden (South24 Center)

Israeli media said more than 20 people were injured, including two in serious condition, when a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi group crashed into the southern Israeli city of Eilat on Wednesday (September 24).

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service reported around 20 casualties, most with light injuries, while two people in critical condition were taken to hospital.

#BREAKING

Video shows explosion of a drone in Eilat, #Israeli authorities say it launched from #Yemen#south24https://t.co/1ikpOm2qts

— South24 | English (@South24E) September 24, 2025

Medical sources said the injuries were caused by the direct blast and shattered glass in a crowded area near a hotel on the Red Sea coast.

The Israeli military confirmed the drone entered from the Red Sea. Hebrew media reported that the Iron Dome defense system attempted to intercept it but struggled due to its low-altitude flight, delaying early detection.

#BREAKING
Haaretz publishes video of the drone crash in Eilat’s tourist area moments ago#south24pic.twitter.com/KsM3MTaccP

— South24 | English (@South24E) September 24, 2025

Houthi media official Nasr al-Din Amer claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on X.

The incident was among the most severe to hit Eilat since the escalation of Houthi operations via the Red Sea. Previous strikes with drones and long-range missiles had targeted the port and surrounding areas, though most were intercepted.

On September 18, Reuters reported a drone launched from Yemen hit a hotel area in Eilat, causing property damage but few injuries. The Houthis claimed responsibility at the time, vowing that Eilat “will remain under continuous targeting.”

The confrontation between Israel and the Houthis entered a new phase on August 28 when Israel launched an airstrike on Sanaa, killing the head of the Houthis’ unrecognized government, Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahwi, along with several ministers.

On September 10, Israel followed with a large-scale attack on Sanaa and Al-Jawf, leaving dozens dead and wounded.

Days later, on September 16, Israeli strikes targeted Houthi-linked facilities at Hodeidah port.

Since the beginning of September, the Houthis have continued sporadic attacks, including strikes near Ramon Airport.