(Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Thursday 4 September 2025 a missile launched from Yemen towards Israel fell in an open area outside Israeli territory and no sirens were activated, the third such launch within less than 24 hours.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis recently stepped up attacks and missile launches, in what they have called an initial response to Israeli attacks on Yemen.

The Houthis have been launching missiles and drones thousands of kilometres north towards Israel, describing them as acts of solidarity with Palestinians.

Most of the dozens of missiles and drones launched have been intercepted or fallen short of targets.

Israel has retaliated by bombing Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the vital port of Hodeidah. Its latest blow killed senior Houthi officials, including the head of the government.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have also been attacking vessels in the Red Sea since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023.