Drone Strike Rattles Tel Aviv, Leaves 10 Injured

A drone strike in central Tel Aviv led to an explosion that injured at least 10 people. Israel's military is investigating the incident and ramping up air patrols. The source of the attack is yet to be confirmed but suspected to involve Yemen's Houthis. Israel's air defenses failed to intercept the drone.

An early morning drone strike caused a significant explosion in central Tel Aviv on Friday, injuring at least 10 people, authorities confirmed. Shrapnel rained down in the aftermath of the blast, reverberating through nearby cities.

Israel's military, currently investigating the strike, said initial inquiries suggest an 'aerial target' caused the explosion. Air patrols have been increased. The exact nature of the attack and how it evaded Israel's advanced air defenses remains under scrutiny. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai identified the incident as a drone strike.

This marks the first successful drone intrusion after numerous failed attempts by Yemen's Houthis, who have been targeting Israel in solidarity with Hamas during the ongoing conflict. Israeli officials have so far refrained from targeting the Houthis directly, focusing instead on the war in Gaza and confrontations with Lebanon's Hezbollah.

The explosion, occurring at around 3:10 a.m., caused widespread but not severe damage. Tel Aviv District Commander Peretz Amar indicated that the explosion seemed to have occurred mid-air. Despite Israel's extensive aerial defense systems, officials acknowledge their vulnerability to small, hard-to-detect drones.

The incident underscores the escalating tensions in the region, exacerbated by Iran's support of groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Israel has largely avoided direct conflict with Iran, despite past provocations.

(With inputs from agencies.)