The United States has launched at least 40 airstrikes in Yemen, resulting in 32 fatalities and 101 injuries, primarily affecting women and children. The operations, directed by President Trump, target Houthi rebels following threats against Israel-linked ships. The Red Sea’s critical role in global trade adds urgency to the situation, with the potential for significant economic repercussions due to escalating military actions.

The United States has conducted at least 40 airstrikes in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 individuals, predominantly women and children, and injuries to 101 others. These operations commenced on a Saturday and persisted into early Sunday morning, following President Donald Trump’s directive to target Houthi rebels after their threats against Israel-linked maritime vessels due to the ongoing blockade of Gaza.

The airstrikes have primarily concentrated in the Saada province, north of the capital, Sanaa. Notable incidents include 12 strikes in Saada, with an attack on a power station in Dahyan causing significant power outages. In the Ibb governorate, the most lethal strike involved two residential buildings in Kahza, resulting in the death of at least 15 individuals. Sanaa also experienced at least eight strikes, including one that devastated a residential area, killing 15 and injuring nine others.

Other governorates, such as Al Bayda, Marib, Dhamar, and Hajjah, have also faced air raids targeting Houthi positions. Accounts from local witnesses indicate strikes in Taiz aimed at military installations linked to the Houthis.

The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, are a rebel faction controlling most of northern Yemen, including Sanaa. They emerged in the 1990s and gained significant power during the 2014 rebellion, which toppled the Yemeni government, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite being backed by Iran, the group maintains distinct objectives independent of Tehran.

These military actions by the United States follow the Houthis’ threats to resume strikes on vessels connected to Israel, coinciding with the total blockade of Gaza, which has lasted three weeks. Although the rebels proclaimed they were prepared to attack ships, they have not proceeded with such actions yet. Since late 2023, the Houthis have reportedly targeted US and commercial ships numerous times, framing these assaults as solidarity with Palestine during ongoing conflicts.

The Pentagon highlighted that the recent strikes represent the commencement of a large-scale offensive in Yemen. The engagement included operations by fighter jets launched from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea, indicating an escalation in military efforts against the Houthis.

The Red Sea serves as a crucial maritime trade passage, with 12% of global trade traversing its route. Its significance is underscored by strategic choke points such as the Suez Canal and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, vital for energy transport. Shifts in this route could result in severe economic implications, making the security of this area essential for global energy and trade stability.

In summary, the United States has initiated a series of significant airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, resulting in numerous casualties, primarily among civilians. The military operations represent a response to heightened tensions in the Red Sea following threats from the Houthis, who have been active in the region since 2014. The Red Sea’s strategic importance underscores the broader implications of this conflict on global trade and energy security.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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