Synopsis
US airstrikes in Yemen's Sanaa and Saada provinces have resulted in at least 13 deaths, with the Houthis vowing retaliation. This operation marks a significant escalation in hostilities following the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization by the US government.Key Takeaways
- At least 13 casualties reported from US airstrikes.
- Houthis promise retaliation against US actions.
- Al-Jarraf neighborhood was primarily targeted.
- Trump emphasizes protecting American interests.
- Houthi group resumes attacks on Israeli ships.
Sanaa, March 16 (NationPress) US warplanes executed airstrikes on multiple Houthi locations in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada, resulting in a minimum of 13 fatalities, according to reports from Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV.
"This figure is preliminary, and the death toll may rise," the Houthi health ministry indicated, noting that at least nine individuals sustained injuries.
The strikes reportedly targeted the Al-Jarraf residential area in northern Sanaa, with additional airstrikes hitting the Shoab neighborhood in eastern Sanaa on Saturday night.
Later that evening, renewed strikes targeted locations in the northern part of the province's central city, Saada, which serves as a primary stronghold for the group. No further specifics have been disclosed, as reported by Xinhua.
Local residents recounted that the strikes in Sanaa focused on ammunition and rocket storage facilities near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf area. Witnesses observed a plume of white smoke rising from the vicinity, accompanied by a series of explosions.
Osama Sari, a Houthi representative, mentioned on X that the airstrikes in Al-Jarraf also inflicted damage on sections of the Specialised Modern University near Airport Road.
Another source from the Houthi side disclosed to Xinhua that the airstrikes also hit residences belonging to prominent Houthi leaders.
This marks the first military action by the US against Houthi sites since President Donald Trump took office in January, during which he designated the group as a "foreign terrorist organization".
Trump took to social media platform Truth Social to assert that the air assaults on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses" were aimed at safeguarding American maritime, aerial, and naval interests, as well as restoring navigational freedom.
He also cautioned the Houthis that if they fail to cease their attacks, "beginning today... Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever witnessed before."
Meanwhile, the US Central Command shared footage on X showing warplanes departing from a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, announcing a series of operations involving precise strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to protect American interests, deter adversaries, and restore maritime navigation freedom.
In response to the US airstrikes, the Houthis declared their intention to initiate retaliatory strikes, asserting that "this aggression will not go unanswered," and that they are "fully equipped to respond to escalation with escalation," as stated by the group's political bureau in a message broadcast by al-Masirah TV.
On Tuesday, the Houthi faction revealed plans to resume attacks on any Israeli vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the Gaza Strip crossings are reopened and humanitarian aid is permitted.
From November 2023 to January 19, the Houthi group, which currently exerts control over much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, conducted numerous drone and rocket strikes against Israeli-affiliated vessels and cities to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis ceased their attacks on January 19, coinciding with the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
