Aden — In a tense aerial encounter on Monday, Israeli military helicopters were deployed to intercept a drone launched from Yemen that penetrated deep into Israeli airspace, triggering sirens across southern regions including Eilat and Dimona.

The drone, reportedly operated by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, was one of several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched in recent days amid escalating regional tensions. Eyewitnesses near Ramon Airport described seeing helicopters in rapid pursuit of the drone, followed by interceptor missiles lighting up the sky before explosions were heard.

While three drones were successfully intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, one managed to evade defenses and struck the passenger terminal at Ramon Airport on Sunday, injuring multiple civilians and causing temporary closure of the facility. Monday’s pursuit marked a renewed effort to bolster aerial defenses, with helicopters playing a visible role in tracking and neutralizing incoming threats.

The Israeli military acknowledged that the drone was detected by radar but initially misclassified, leading to a delayed response. An internal investigation is underway to assess the lapse in protocol.

The Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel following recent airstrikes in Yemen that killed senior rebel leaders. The group claims its actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.