The Houthi rebel-run Health Ministry in Yemen has reported that U.S. airstrikes have killed at least 31 people, including women and children, as the death toll continues to climb amid escalating military operations. The strikes, which targeted Houthi-controlled areas, began Saturday evening and extended into early Sunday, hitting the capital Sanaa, the northern stronghold of Saada near Saudi Arabia, and the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. Images circulating online depict thick plumes of black smoke rising over the Sanaa airport complex, home to a significant military installation, underscoring the intensity of the bombardment.
In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump defended the strikes, stating, “Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom.” He emphasized that the operations aim to ensure the safety of American commercial and naval vessels, vowing that “no terrorist force” would hinder their free passage through global waterways. The strikes follow a surge in Houthi attacks on shipping lanes, widely seen as a threat to international trade.
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Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer, threatening to hold the country “fully accountable” for its proxy’s actions. The rebuke comes just two weeks after he extended an olive branch to Tehran, offering to restart talks on Iran’s advancing nuclear program—an initiative he has pledged to block from reaching operational status. The renewed hostilities signal a sharp pivot from diplomacy to confrontation, as the U.S. seeks to dismantle Houthi capabilities while pressuring Iran to curb its regional influence. The Houthis, meanwhile, have vowed retaliation, raising fears of a broader conflict in the volatile region.
Key Points:
Rising Death Toll: The Houthi-run Health Ministry in Yemen reports that U.S. airstrikes have killed at least 31 people, including women and children.
- Strike Locations: Airstrikes hit Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa, Saada, Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib, starting Saturday evening and continuing into Sunday, targeting bases and military sites.
- U.S. Justification: President Trump stated the strikes aim to protect American shipping and naval assets, ensuring navigational freedom against Houthi threats.
- Warning to Iran: Trump warned Iran, the Houthis’ backer, to stop supporting the rebels, threatening full accountability, despite recent offers to restart nuclear talks.
- Escalation Concerns: The strikes follow Houthi attacks on shipping, with the rebels vowing retaliation, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
