Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting Israel, marking a new escalation as the war in the Middle East enters its second month.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthis, said in a statement that aired Saturday on the group’s Al-Masirah television network that the rebels fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at what he described as “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel.
Israel’s military said it intercepted the missiles before they hit the intended target.
The Associated Press reported that Saree said in a statement a day earlier that the Houthis might join the conflict, though he did not provide specifics at the time.
The launch marked the first time Israel has come under fire from Yemen since the latest phase of the conflict started on February 28.
The now monthlong war erupted after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, which retaliated with strikes against Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states.
The news comes after at least 15 U.S. service members were hurt during an Iranian missile attack at a military base in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Citing unnamed U.S. officials familiar with the situation, the Associated Press said five of the troops suffered serious injuries after Iran fired nearly 30 ballistic missiles at the base.
The strike targeted Prince Sultan Air Base, where several U.S. refueling aircraft were damaged, the officials told the AP. They added that more than two dozen troops have been wounded in Iranian attacks on the base in the past week.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are ongoing. Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, said Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will participate in talks in Islamabad on Sunday aimed at seeking a resolution.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.