DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen's capital, Sanaa, resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and left approximately 30 others injured, as reported by the Houthi rebels on early Monday. This incident marks the latest escalation in a campaign of intensified U.S. strikes against the Houthis, a group engaged in ongoing conflict in the region.
The airstrike occurred in the Farwa neighborhood market located in Sanaa's Shuub district, which has been previously targeted by U.S. forces. Eyewitness footage broadcasted by the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel depicted significant destruction, including damaged vehicles and buildings. The scene was chaotic, with witnesses seen holding what appeared to be a dead child and others being carried away on stretchers toward a hospital.
In addition to the attacks on Sanaa, airstrikes were reported in other regions of Yemen, including the Amran, Hodeida, Marib, and Saada governorates. These actions followed a prior bombing at the Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen that occurred the previous week, resulting in at least 74 fatalities and wounding 171 people. This surge in military activities coincided with the resumption of negotiations in Rome between the United States and Iran concerning Tehran's advancing nuclear program, which Washington has indicated is linked to its military actions in Yemen.
The United States has justified targeting the Houthis due to the group's recent assaults on maritime shipping in the Red Sea – a vital global trade route – and threats made against Israel. Notably, the Houthis represent the last militant group within Iran's self-proclaimed "Axis of Resistance" that has demonstrated the capability to regularly carry out attacks against Israel. Under the Trump administration, the operation targeting the Houthis appears to be more extensive than military actions taken during President Joe Biden's tenure. The current campaign reportedly intensified following Houthi threats to resume targeting Israeli vessels in retaliation for Israel's blockage of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, from November 2023 until January of the following year, the Houthis specifically targeted over 100 merchant vessels using missiles and drones, culminating in the sinking of two ships and resulting in the deaths of four sailors. These hostile activities have significantly disrupted the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically facilitates the movement of goods valued at around $1 trillion. The Houthis have also attempted to launch attacks against American warships, although those efforts have not been successful.
Assessing the impact of the ongoing U.S. airstrike campaign over the past month has proven challenging. The military has withheld details regarding the strikes, including specific targets and civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the Houthis maintain strict control over access to the areas affected by the strikes, limiting the dissemination of complete information. Sources indicate that many of the airstrikes likely targeted military and security installations.
As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of developments, particularly concerning the implications of U.S. military involvement in a complex regional conflict exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
