Updated Jul 19, 2024 - World

Houthis claim responsibility for drone strike on Tel Aviv

Barak Ravid

Emergency services at the scene of the explosion in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Friday local time. Photo: Israeli MDA

At least one person was killed and seven others wounded in a large explosion that took place in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Friday. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the explosion was the result of "an aerial target which fell without an early warning."

Why it matters: This is one of the most serious attacks on Tel Aviv since Hamas' Oct. 7 assault. A spokesperson for Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the drone strike.

Driving the news: The explosion took place around 3am local time one block from the U.S. embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, a big building which hosts hundreds of employees.

A U.S. official said the American embassy branch office wasn't damaged and no U.S. citizens were hurt.
A State Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement early Friday that U.S. officials were "in close contact with Israeli authorities to fully investigate the source of the explosion and its intended target."
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the embassy branch office in Tel Aviv stood "ready to provide consular assistance to any American citizens in need of them," the spokesperson added.

State of play: In a video circulating on social media, a loud buzzing sound is heard before the explosion takes place.

No air raid sirens went off before the attack.
The Tel Aviv fire department also noted that the explosion could be the result of a drone attack.

What they're saying: The Houthi rebels in Yemen said shortly after the explosion that they were going to announce soon a qualitative military operation.

Go deeper: What to know about Yemen's Houthi rebels

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from the State Department.

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Houthis claim responsibility for drone strike on Tel Aviv

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