US airstrikes in Yemen spark Houthi retaliation threats
Houthi rebels vow retaliation for American attacks that killed at least 31 people. They described these actions as a "war crime" and stated that their forces are ready to "respond with escalation to escalation." Meanwhile, Iran criticizes US actions, and a Houthi missile has struck Sinai.
Houthi rebels from Yemen announced that they would retaliate against American attacks that took place on Saturday evening, which resulted in at least 31 deaths and over 100 injuries. "This aggression will not go without response and our Yemeni armed forces are ready to answer escalation with further escalation," stated a declaration from the Houthi political office.
Houthis threaten US with retaliation, call it a "war crime"
Iran, a supporter of the Houthis, also criticized the American airstrikes. "The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy," responded Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A statement from his office "strongly condemned the brutal air strikes by the US," highlighting their inconsistency with international law.
US President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a "powerful" and "decisive" operation against the Houthis. The raids targeted the bases and military infrastructure of the rebels, who control a large part of Yemen. Trump warned Iran against further support of the Houthis, threatening consequences.
Houthi missile strikes Sinai
At night, a missile launched by the Houthis hit Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, near the resort of Sharm El Sheikh. "The IDF is investigating whether the missile intended to target Israel, although so far is unable to verify this," reported the "Times of Israel." In the past, the Houthis have attacked Israel with drones and missiles, prompting retaliatory airstrikes.
The American campaign against the Houthis could last days or even weeks, according to an anonymous Trump administration official. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the US to immediately cease the airstrikes.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, with the Houthis carrying out over 100 attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, claiming they are supporting Hamas in its fight against Israel.
