Huthis Report 19 U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Amid Escalating Conflict
Huthi media reports indicate that U.S. warplanes executed 19 airstrikes in Yemen, primarily targeting the Saada governorate. The attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, prompting Huthi claims of war crimes. In retaliation, the Huthis have reported targeting U.S. naval vessels and executed a drone strike against Tel Aviv. This escalation follows a series of military offensives initiated by the U.S. against Huthi forces since March, amid heightened tensions linked to the Gaza conflict.
Reports from Huthi media indicate that U.S. warplanes conducted 19 airstrikes in Yemen, primarily targeting rebel-held areas, particularly in Saada. The Huthis attributed the attacks to the United States and mentioned they had targeted a U.S. warship and Israel. Al-Masirah TV announced that “the U.S. aggression launched 17 raids on the Saada governorate during the night” and noted two additional raids in Amran.
According to the Iran-backed rebels’ news agency, Saba, the airstrikes included an attack on the Oncology Hospital building in Saada, which was reportedly under construction and had previously been struck a week prior. The rebel health ministry reported that two civilians suffered injuries from this recent hospital strike, condemning it as “a full-fledged war crime.”
On Wednesday, a Huthi military spokesperson stated that the group targeted “enemy warships in the Red Sea, led by the U.S. aircraft carrier Truman,” which they blame for the ongoing strikes. The rebels also claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Tel Aviv, although the specific timing was not disclosed, and Israel did not confirm the incident.
The U.S. initiated military action against the Huthis on March 15, vowing to exert considerable force until the militia ceased its attacks on vessels navigating critical shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This offensive resulted in a series of U.S. airstrikes that allegedly eliminated high-ranking Huthi leaders, with the Huthis reporting that 53 individuals were killed.
After the onset of hostilities related to the Gaza war, the Huthis began targeting shipping vessels in solidarity with Palestinians, although these attacks ceased when a ceasefire was established in Gaza in January. They recently threatened to escalate attacks on vital maritime routes due to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, prompting the first U.S. strikes on Yemen since President Trump assumed office. Last week, President Trump issued strong warnings to the Huthis, threatening severe repercussions while cautioning Tehran against continued support for the group.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, particularly following the recent airstrikes attributed to U.S. forces in Huthi-controlled areas. The Huthis have escalated their retaliatory actions, claiming to target U.S. military assets and engaging in drone operations against Israel. The ongoing conflict highlights the complexities of regional dynamics influenced by wider geopolitical struggles, especially concerning American foreign policy and Iranian involvement. The escalation signifies a troubling trend in both humanitarian impacts and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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