U.S. airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen spark global tension
The United States Air Force conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 100. Among the victims were children. The Houthis have been threatening commercial ships in the Yemen region for years.
The Americans targeted several locations. The Houthi-controlled television channel Al Masirah reported that 13 people died as a result of an attack on the city of Saada in northwestern Yemen. Meanwhile, an airstrike on the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including four children and one woman.
The airstrikes also targeted Houthi military facilities in the city of Taiz and the provinces of Saada, Dhamar, and Al-Bayda. According to local media in Sana'a, the headquarters of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, weapons warehouses, and command centres were shelled.
President Donald Trump announced a "decisive and powerful" operation against the Houthi rebels on Saturday.
"Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defences to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom," the American president declared on the social media platform True Social.
Attacks on commercial ships. Houthis paralyze navigation
Since the fall of 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming they are expressions of solidarity with Hamas in its struggle against Israel.
Furthermore, the Houthis are key players in the civil war in Yemen, ongoing since 2014, and control a significant portion of the country, including the Red Sea coast.
