The United States has initiated a “decisive and powerful” series of air and missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, as stated by President Donald Trump, who cited the group’s assaults on maritime vessels in the Red Sea as the justification for this action.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released footage on social media of US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft taking off from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, which is presently operating within the area of responsibility of CENTCOM, as well as ships launching BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles at designated targets.
According to the Houthi-controlled health ministry, the air strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and left 101 others injured.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told ABC that the US strikes in Yemen “hit multiple Houthi leaders and took them out”. Waltz added that the US may strike Iranian targets linked to Houthi support. “All options are on the table. Ships, advisors, intelligence aiding the Houthis. Iranians must clearly understand the President’s message” he said.
The Houthi group, which began its campaign against shipping in retaliation for the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, announced that it would respond to the US air strikes.
Reports from the Houthis indicated multiple explosions on Saturday evening in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, and in the northern province of Saada, which serves as the rebels’ stronghold near the Saudi Arabian border.
This Iranian-backed faction, which views Israel as its adversary, governs Sanaa and the northwestern region of Yemen, yet it is not recognized as the legitimate government of the country.
Unverified footage has emerged showing thick black smoke rising from the vicinity of Sanaa’s airport, which houses a military installation.
In their statement, the Houthis accused the United States and the United Kingdom of “wicked” aggression aimed at residential neighborhoods in Sanaa.
While the UK did not take part in the US strikes on Saturday, it did provide routine refueling assistance to the US forces.
