JERUSALEM: A drone launched from Yemen struck the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat, injuring at least 20 people, two of them seriously, according to Israel's emergency medical service and the military.
Israel's national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, on Wednesday evening (local time) said that the two badly wounded victims, both in their 60s, suffered severe limb injuries. Another man was moderately injured when shrapnel hit his upper body, while the remaining casualties sustained lighter wounds, mostly from shrapnel and bruising.
The drone exploded in the city centre, in a tourist district near the Club Hotel, a large beachfront complex, according to Kan, the state-owned broadcaster. Kan also reported that Israel's air defence system attempted twice to intercept the drone but failed.
The strike came during Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, when Eilat is typically crowded with Israeli vacationers, reports Xinhua news agency.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have repeatedly targeted Eilat with drones and missiles since Israel's war in Gaza began. Last week, a drone struck the entrance to a hotel in the city, causing property damage but no injuries.
Yemen's Houthi group, in a statement on Wednesday night, claimed responsibility for a drone attack.
Yahya Sarea, the Houthis' military spokesman, said in a statement on X that the group fired two drones before sunset, targeting a location in Eilat.