Yemen Strike Exposed: IAF’s Secret Mission to Crush Houthi Threats
IAF crew members described the intense preparation and pride in executing a long-range strike on Houthi targets in Yemen, emphasizing their role in defending Israel. The operation reflects meticulous teamwork and a resolve to counter threats, amid ongoing regional conflicts and a hostage crisis.
Israeli Air Force (IAF) personnel involved in a long-range strike on Houthi targets in Yemen on August 24, 2025, shared insights into the operation’s intensity and their sense of duty. Deputy G., a crew member, described the atmosphere during takeoff to Arutz Sheva, saying, “There’s a healthy tension, you understand you’re heading into a distant and hostile area, but there’s also excitement in being part of such an event, part of a massive system that manages everything, a cog in this impressive machine.”
He emphasized the mission’s significance, stating, “It’s the moment when you realize that what you’re doing will ultimately impact daily life in the State of Israel.” G. underscored the operation’s message to adversaries: “Taking part in such an operation is a great privilege, to be an active partner in defending the State of Israel, with the understanding that we are, de facto, telling our enemy: ‘Wherever you are, wherever you run, we will reach you and will not allow you to carry out your intentions.’”
The strike, targeting Houthi infrastructure backed by Iran, followed months of Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel, including a July 2024 strike on Tel Aviv that killed one civilian. G. highlighted the meticulous preparation, noting, “In every operation there are many people working, intelligence personnel who work tirelessly to provide targets, classify and analyze threats, and determine precisely what is needed; staff officers who sit and plan, drafting policy documents and shaping how we want to carry out the campaign.” Ground crews ensured aircraft readiness, allowing pilots to execute the long-range mission confidently. Despite risks of retaliation, G. said, “This concern always exists. We were trained to channel that threat into sharpness and alertness.”
Major A., a technical officer, praised the ground crews’ role, stating, “We in the technical array are responsible for ensuring that the mission goes out and is carried out in the best way possible. There is always pressure when the aircraft are in the air.” He added, “My responsibility is to prepare the aircraft for the mission, no matter the target or the timing. After two years of war and constant achievements, we are filled with pride.” The operation, part of Israel’s broader campaign against Iranian proxies, underscores the IAF’s readiness amid ongoing conflicts, including the Gaza war and hostage crisis involving 50 captives, 20 presumed alive as of August 2025.