United States: The United States launched airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Wednesday, as reported by the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV. The assault is the latest in a series of retaliatory measures following the Iran-backed group’s persistent attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea.
According to accounts from three local residents cited by Reuters, the targeted strikes hit the Al-Jarraf district, situated near Sanaa’s airport. Additionally, a still-unfinished event hall in the residential Al-Thawra directorate was struck, resulting in injuries to nine individuals, predominantly women, and children, as confirmed by Anees al-Asbahi, the spokesperson for the Houthi-controlled health ministry, in a post on X, according to reports by Reuters.
Al Masirah also reported that the Al-Suwaidia directorate, located in Yemen’s al-Bayda province, faced attacks. This region is notably recognized for housing Houthi military facilities and weapon storage sites.
The recent wave of US military operations against Houthi targets commenced last Saturday, marking the most substantial offensive under President Donald Trump since his return to office in January. At least 31 casualties were reported in the strikes.
In a stern statement, Trump further issued a warning to Iran, holding it responsible for any subsequent Houthi aggression and cautioning of severe repercussions. However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards rejected the accusation, asserting that the Houthis operate autonomously, making their own strategic and operational decisions.
Despite the intensified military actions and threats from the US, the Houthis have remained defiant. They declared their intent to escalate attacks, particularly targeting Israel, in retaliation for the American offensive, as per Reuters.
On Tuesday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile aimed at Israel. They further announced plans to broaden their target range in response to the resurgence of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza following a period of relative calm.
Since the onset of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in late 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 assaults on commercial vessels, justifying their actions as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These strikes have severely disrupted global trade routes and prompted the US military to undertake extensive and costly missile interception operations, according to Reuters.
The Houthis are aligned with the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of Iran-backed militant factions opposed to Israel and Western influence. This alliance includes Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and various armed groups in Iraq.
