Suspected U.S. Strikes Escalate Conflict in Yemen, Target Sanaa and Surroundings
Suspected U.S. airstrikes struck Yemen’s capital Sanaa and other regions, resulting in injury reports and escalating conflict. The operation appears more intense than past campaigns, targeting Houthi strongholds. Communication disruptions were noted following the strikes.
Early on Friday, suspected U.S. airstrikes targeted several locations in Yemen, particularly neighborhoods in the capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthi group. The intensity of the strikes represents an escalation compared to previous days of the ongoing campaign initiated on March 15. While the full extent of damage and casualties remains unclear, initial reports indicate at least seven individuals were injured in Sanaa.
Strikes were also reported around the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, as well as in Saada, al-Jawf, Amran, and Marib governorates. The Houthis indicated they had suffered damage at multiple sites, including Sanaa International Airport, but did not specify which targets were hit. A video from the Associated Press captured a bomb striking Sanaa, resulting in a significant plume of smoke as residents were awake during the concluding days of Ramadan.
Additional hits were noted in the mountainous regions north of Sanaa, where military facilities are located. According to the Houthis’ al-Masirah news network, communications systems were disrupted following the attacks, which included a reported 19 strikes in that area alone. The U.S. Central Command has not confirmed these strikes, diverging from previous communication protocols under President Biden.
This wave of airstrikes marks a new phase following an uptick in Houthi attacks against shipping, which the group attributes to Israel’s blockade preventing aid access to the Gaza Strip. In a previous campaign from November 2023 to January, the Houthis targeted over 100 vessels linked to businesses associated with Israel, resulting in two sunk ships and the death of four sailors. They also engaged American warships, without inflicting damage to date.
In summary, suspected U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have intensified, particularly affecting Sanaa and surrounding areas, with indications of increased causalities and damage. The shift in U.S. military tactics reflects a broader strategic approach under President Trump. The Houthis’ missile and drone attacks on shipping, attributed to geopolitical dynamics in the region, further complicate the situation amidst ongoing military engagements.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
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