US warplanes have conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi-controlled locations in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada. According to al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-run station, the strikes killed at least 13 people and left nine others injured. The attacks targeted critical ammunition depots and residences of key Houthi leaders.
Witnesses described explosions and saw white smoke rising from the Al-Jarraf neighborhood, and Houthi officials reported damage to parts of the Specialized Modern University near the Airport Road.
This marks the first major US military operation against the Houthis since President Donald Trump took office. Trump had re-designated the Houthis as a ‘foreign terrorist organization’ and stated that the purpose of the airstrikes was to protect US interests and ensure the freedom of navigation in the region.
The US Central Command released footage showing warplanes taking off from an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, confirming that the strikes were aimed at Iran-backed Houthi infrastructure.
In response, the Houthis have vowed retaliation, stating that the attacks would not go unpunished and threatening further escalation. The group has also expressed intentions to resume targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel- Hamas conflict.
Tensions have escalated after a period of relative calm from November 2023 to January 19, following a ceasefire deal in Gaza. However, with the latest strikes, there are growing concerns over further escalation in the region.
