Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Claim US Airstrikes Target Capital and Coastal City: What It Means for the Region

CAIRO (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced that the U.S. military launched a series of airstrikes in Sanaa and the coastal city of Hodeida. This comes just two days after a U.S. strike devastated a port in the region, resulting in the deaths of over 70 people.

According to the Houthis’ media office, 13 airstrikes targeted an airport and a port in Hodeida, alongside strikes in Sanaa. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of casualties from these latest strikes.

The U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, has stated that it will continue targeting Houthi forces in Yemen. The previous strike on Thursday hit the Ras Isa port in Hodeida, marking the deadliest incident in this ongoing campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthis. Those attacks resulted in 74 deaths and wounded 171, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the Ras Isa attack and ongoing Houthi missile and drone strikes on Israel and important shipping routes. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the need to respect international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

U.S. Central Command did not provide details regarding potential civilian casualties from the airstrikes, reiterating that the operation was not meant to harm Yemen’s population. This recent bombing campaign, which has included a total of around 200 deaths since March 16, was initiated by the Trump administration as a response to Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and threats to Israel.

Experts in international relations emphasize the complexity of the Yemeni conflict. Dr. Sarah McNally, a scholar on Middle Eastern affairs, notes that ongoing strikes often exacerbate humanitarian crises, pointing out that Yemen has been suffering from one of the worst humanitarian disasters globally, with millions lacking basic necessities.

This situation highlights the fragile balance of power in the region and the impact of military actions on civilian lives. Understanding the historical context of the conflict, including Yemen’s long-standing political struggles, can provide further insights into these present-day tensions.

For more details on international humanitarian law, you can visit the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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