ALBAWABA- U.S. airstrikes on multiple Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen have killed at least 31 people and injured 101, with others still missing under the rubble, according to media affiliated with the Ansar Allah, Houthi group.
The strikes, among the most intense since 2015, targeted both military positions and civilian areas, including the capital Sana’a, Sa’dah— the Houthis’ stronghold— as well as Dhamar, Al-Jawf, Ma'rib, Hajjah, Hodeida, and Al-Bayda, with over 40 airstrikes reported.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the strikes hit residential areas in Sana’a’s Al-Jeraf district, where the headquarters of the Houthis’ Political Council is located.
The scale of destruction has drawn comparisons to the Saudi-led coalition’s military campaign, which launched tens of thousands of airstrikes across Yemen starting in 2015.
The U.S. operation was ordered by President Donald Trump, who announced on Truth Social that American forces are targeting Houthi bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect U.S. commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea.
"Our brave warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks... No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the waterways of the world," Trump wrote. He also warned Iran against supporting the Houthis, vowing to hold Tehran "fully accountable."
The airstrikes come amid escalating tensions, with the Houthis imposing restrictions on Israeli-bound vessels in the Red Sea, citing support for Gaza amid Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid.
Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam condemned the U.S. attack as an act of aggression, accusing Washington of waging war on behalf of Israel.
Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, a senior member of the Houthis’ political council, vowed retaliation, stating, "The U.S. has started this war and should expect our response—without a doubt." The group has threatened to escalate military operations in the region in response to the strikes.
Videos circulating on social media show massive explosions across multiple cities in Yemen, with reports indicating that the U.S. campaign may last for days or even weeks, depending on the Houthis’ response, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
