DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — At least four people were killed in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, following suspected U.S. airstrikes, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Additionally, 16 people sustained injuries in the attacks, which targeted a home and occurred amid an intense U.S. military campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthis.
Overnight, strikes were also reported in Saada, another Houthi stronghold, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries. Video footage shared by the Houthis showed a building collapse, alleged to be a solar power shop. The health ministry claims U.S. strikes have killed at least 69 individuals in total since the campaign intensified recently.
Experts note that these ongoing airstrikes are primarily a response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the region, linked to broader tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis have threatened to attack ships they associate with Israeli interests—an escalation that puts them directly in conflict with U.S. military goals. According to a report from the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Houthis targeted over 100 vessels and sank two of them between November 2023 and January 2024, highlighting their capabilities and ambitions.
In a striking moment shared by former President Trump, a drone video showed a group of more than 70 people before an explosion. Trump suggested they were planning an attack, but the U.S. military has not confirmed details about the strike, nor has it made the video public. Central Command reports that over 200 strikes have been executed against the Houthis, reflecting a more aggressive strategy compared to past operations under President Biden.
Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen’s information minister, claimed that the recent bombing resulted in significant losses among Houthi fighters, including high-ranking leaders and operatives from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. However, no independent verification has yet corroborated these claims.
Social media reactions to the strikes highlight a mix of fear and defiance among local populations. Many Yemenis expressed condolences for the Houthi officials reportedly killed, revealing the complex relationships and rivalries that persist in the region. Mohammed al-Basha, an expert on Yemen, mentioned that targeted attacks have expanded to hit command centers and telecommunication hubs.
This renewed wave of U.S. airstrikes began nearly a month ago, marking a shift from previous tactics that focused primarily on launch sites. Experts suggest that the U.S. strategy now involves direct raids on Houthi leadership, indicating a significant escalation in military operations. Such measures seem to be part of a broader attempt to curb Iranian influence in the region, especially as Iran’s nuclear program progresses rapidly.
For more insights on ongoing conflicts and geopolitical strategies, you can explore the latest updates from Reuters.
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Source linkYemen, Donald Trump, Houthis, War and unrest, Sanaa, Joe Biden, United States government, Bombings, Rebellions and uprisings, General news, Middle East, United States, Politics, Mohammed al-Basha, Yemen government, World news
