US Air Raids in Yemen Intensify, Raising Civilian Casualties, Houthi Defiance

Overnight US air raids across Yemen have resulted in at least one death and 13 injuries in the capital city of Sanaa, according to local media reports, as per Al Jazeera.

The strikes represent an escalation in Washington’s renewed military offensive against the Houthi rebel group, which began earlier this month.

The Houthi’s stated justification for resuming attacks on Red Sea shipping is their opposition to what they describe as Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Footage released by the Houthis depicts scenes of devastation, showing the rubble of a collapsed building and pools of blood.

In addition to Sanaa, the Houthis reported air raids on sites near Saada, the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, and the Marib province, which holds oil and gas fields controlled by allies of Yemen’s exiled central government.

Unverified claims circulating on social media suggest the Houthis may have attacked US naval vessels, although these reports have not been confirmed.

The US launched its aerial bombardment campaign against the Houthis on March 15, citing the group’s previous targeting of vessels in key shipping routes within the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as their declared support for Hamas in the conflict with Israel.

After a brief ceasefire enacted in January, the Houthis threatened to resume their campaign, citing the breakdown of the truce.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated on Sunday that the Houthi threat has forced 75% of US-flagged shipping to reroute around the southern coast of Africa, significantly lengthening journeys that would normally transit through the Suez Canal.

The Houthis have also claimed recent attacks targeting Israel, including a ballistic missile interception confirmed by the Israeli military on Sunday.

The Houthis allege that US air raids have killed at least 79 people and injured over 100 in Yemen since last Thursday. The US has provided limited details on the specific targets of its strikes, and has yet to confirm any air raids on Sanaa.

However, a defense official told AFP news agency, “CENTCOM [US Central Command] is conducting strikes across multiple locations of Iran-backed Houthi locations every day and night in Yemen.”

Waltz claimed that recent US attacks have “taken out key Houthi leadership,” including the head of their missile program. The Houthis have dismissed these claims, labeling them “a complete lie and slander.”

Despite the intensified US attacks, the Houthis have vowed to continue their support for Palestinians in Gaza and to provide support to Lebanon and Hezbollah if necessary.