The Houthi rebel group has reported that at least 18 civilians lost their lives following a series of airstrikes ordered by US President Donald Trump on Saturday. These strikes targeted key areas held by the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen.
In a stark warning, Trump emphasized his commitment to employing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthi faction halts its assaults on maritime shipping within a crucial trade route.
Trump stated on his platform Truth Social, “Our brave war fighters 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.”
He further asserted that “no terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.” Additionally, Trump has expressed his intention to hold Iran “fully accountable” for its support of the Houthi rebels.
Details of the strikes and Houthi response
This military escalation unfolds just weeks after Trump reached out to Iranian officials, outlining a potential avenue for reinitiating talks concerning Iran’s advancing nuclear program. He reiterated his resolve not to allow Tehran’s nuclear ambitions to come to fruition.
According to the Houthis, the strikes resulted in significant devastation, particularly in the capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada, which serves as a stronghold for the rebels near the Saudi border. Images circulating online displayed large plumes of black smoke rising over Sanaa’s airport complex, where a significant military site is located. Reports also indicated early Sunday airstrikes in the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib.
As reported by the Houthi-run health ministry, the casualties included 13 individuals in Sanaa and five in Saada, with at least 24 others suffering injuries—nine in Sanaa and 15 in Saada. Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of the Houthi media office, claimed that these airstrikes would not intimidate them, asserting they would retaliate against the United States.
Amer remarked on social media, “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges.”
Increasing tensions in the region
The airstrikes are particularly noteworthy as they follow the Houthis’ announcement to resume attacks on Israeli vessels operating off the Yemen coast, a response to Israel’s recent blockade of Gaza. The Houthis warned that this situation could impact the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Arabian Sea.
Despite the heightened tensions, no Houthi attacks have been reported since the declaration. Historically, the Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors, during their campaign against military and civilian vessels that coincided with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This period marked a significant escalation in their military profile amid the persistent economic and social turmoil in Yemen, which continues to grapple with the consequences of a decade-long war that has ravaged the nation.