The United States has launched airstrikes targeting three rebel-held cities in Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, according to AFP. The strikes, reported by Houthi-run Al Masirah television network, occurred in Sanaa, the port city of Hodeida, where AFP correspondents heard loud explosions, and Dhamar, south of the capital. While details regarding damage or casualties remain unspecified, the strikes are the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US and the Houthis.
Washington has been targeting Houthi positions in Yemen since January in retaliation for the rebels’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim these attacks, which have disrupted maritime traffic in this crucial waterway, are aimed at vessels linked to Israel and represent solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict.
Israel has also responded to Houthi attacks with strikes in Yemen, including airstrikes on Hodeida last month that resulted in at least five deaths. The rebels claim to have targeted Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport with a missile.
The latest US strikes come just a day after the Houthis announced a drone attack on Tel Aviv. The Israeli military reported intercepting “a suspicious aerial target” over central Israel overnight, but provided no further details. On Wednesday, the Houthis said they had fired cruise missiles at Israel, following Iran’s mass bombardment of the country the night before. The day before, the Houthis damaged two ships in separate attacks off Yemen’s coast. One ship was hit by a marine drone, puncturing a ballast tank, while a second vessel was damaged by a missile less than three hours later, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The Houthis, who have controlled large swathes of war-torn Yemen for a decade, are considered part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel and the United States. The latest strikes coincided with thousands taking to the streets of Sanaa to express solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanese amid attacks by Israel. Houthi official Hashem Sharaf al-Din, quoted by AFP, stated to Al Masirah that the aggression on the capital and Yemeni governorates after the solidarity marches is a desperate attempt to terrorise the people. He asserted that Yemen will not be deterred by these attacks and will continue its steadfastness in confronting the enemies with all its strength.
The situation in Yemen continues to be volatile as the conflict between the Houthis and the US and Israel intensifies. The recent strikes and retaliatory actions highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the escalating tensions between Iran and the West.
