New Details On Operation "Lucky Drop": The Airstrike That Almost Didn't Happen
In a recently disclosed account, details have emerged about the complex and drawn-out execution of Operation "Lucky Drop," an IDF airstrike that successfully eliminated the majority of the Houthi leadership in Yemen. The operation, which took place in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 28, almost did not happen after IDF pilots were initially ordered to stand down.
The mission began when Israeli intelligence received information about a high-level meeting of Houthi ministers in the capital city of Sana'a. IDF fighter jets were scrambled and began their long journey toward the target. However, just minutes before the planes were set to strike, a last-minute order came in to halt the mission. For the next hour and a half, the pilots were forced to circle over Yemen while waiting for an updated command that never arrived. They were ultimately ordered to return to Israel, effectively calling off the operation.
It was only after the jets had begun their journey home that a critical piece of intelligence was received, confirming that the entire Houthi leadership was present at the meeting. In an incredible turn of events, the fighter jets immediately turned around. Just 15 minutes later, they dropped their bombs, successfully wiping out almost the entire Houthi cabinet. This daring move resulted in the elimination of at least 12 senior Houthi officials, including their prime minister, a success that the IDF officially confirmed.
The operation, known as "Lucky Drop," has been hailed as a major achievement. It highlights the crucial role of timely intelligence in the modern battlefield and the adaptability of military forces. The incident also shows the fluid and unpredictable nature of the war in the region, where a mission can be called off and then re-launched in a matter of minutes based on new information. The successful strike is a significant blow to the Houthis and a clear demonstration of Israel's capacity to project power and conduct targeted strikes far from its borders.