Escalating U.S. Strikes in Yemen Fuel Houthi Protests Amid Conflict
Houthi media reported new U.S. strikes in Yemen following significant protests against earlier U.S. bombings targeting their group. Demonstrations occurred across multiple cities, with protesters expressing hostility towards the U.S. and Israel. The Houthis have threatened to escalate their maritime operations amid ongoing tensions linked to the Gaza conflict. U.S. officials have reaffirmed their commitment to military actions until the rebels cease attacks, with potential implications for Iran as well.
Recent reports from Houthi media indicate that new U.S. strikes targeted Yemen on Monday, coinciding with substantial protests against previous bombings aimed at the Iran-backed group. Thousands of demonstrators, equipped with assault rifles, knives, and holy scriptures, rallied in several locations including Sanaa, Saada, Dhamar, Hodeida, and Amran, voicing slogans denouncing the United States and Israel.
The protests erupted following the first U.S. military actions in Yemen under President Donald Trump, designed to confront the Houthis’ harassment of ships in the Red Sea. On Saturday, these airstrikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals and injuries to 98 others. Additionally, Al-Masirah and the Saba press agency later reported further attacks in the Hodeida and Al-Salif areas.
The Houthis have engaged in numerous strikes against maritime targets in the Red Sea while declaring solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. They claimed to have engaged the USS Harry S. Truman naval group twice within a 24-hour span, though there has been no official response from U.S. authorities. Washington has pledged to continue military actions until the Houthis cease attacks on maritime routes, with President Trump cautioning that severe retaliation could ensue.
Demonstrations in Sanaa frequently feature sizable flags representing Yemen and Palestine, particularly during ongoing tensions. The latest U.S. airstrikes marked the first since Trump took office, despite a documented pause in Houthis’ operations that seemed to align with a ceasefire concerning the Gaza conflict. U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to conducting further airstrikes unless the Houthis halted their maritime campaign.
Houthi media reported additional explosive incidents, claiming that U.S. forces targeted a cotton facility and a recently hijacked cargo vessel in Hodeida. The United Nations has called on both factions to cease military engagements, emphasizing concerns about Houthi threats to renew Red Sea attacks. China has also advocated for dialogue and a reduction in hostilities.
Prior to the recent assaults on U.S. maritime assets, the Houthis had not conducted attacks in the Red Sea area since mid-January. Nonetheless, they recently indicated potential escalation due to perceived “American aggression” adversely affecting humanitarian deliveries to Palestine. U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz maintained that recent airstrikes successfully eliminated multiple Houthi leaders, although the group has yet to address this assertion.
President Trump has warned of devastating consequences for the Houthis should they persist in their aggressive tactics, indicating that Iran would also be held accountable for any actions undertaken by the Houthis. Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned the U.S. strikes, asserting that the United States lacks the jurisdiction to influence Tehran’s foreign affairs.
According to ACLED, a monitoring organization, there have been 136 Houthi attacks against maritime and other targets since October 2023, causing significant disruptions to shipping routes that are vital for global trade. In light of this, many companies have undertaken longer routes to avoid areas affected by Houthi aggression. The rebels maintain control over significant regions of Yemen, leading to a humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflicts since 2015 for the internationally recognized government.
In summary, the recent escalation of U.S. military activity against Houthi forces in Yemen has prompted widespread protests, reflecting the complexity of the ongoing conflict. Amid calls for cessation from international bodies, the Houthis continue to express defiance. The humanitarian situation remains critical, exacerbated by the conflict, as both sides prepare for continued hostility. The involvement of multiple regional players further complicates the prospects for peace and stability in Yemen and beyond.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
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