DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. airstrikes near Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital reportedly resulted in at least seven fatalities and 29 injuries overnight, according to Houthi sources who also asserted they shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone.
Since the commencement of the U.S. airstrike campaign almost a month ago under President Donald Trump, which aims to counter the rebels’ attacks on shipping in Middle Eastern waters amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis’ Health Ministry reported that over 120 individuals have been killed.
Clips broadcasted by the Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite channel displayed firefighters extinguishing flames they attributed to the airstrikes. Debris was seen scattered across a road, as rescuers assisted a person from the scene that the rebels claimed was a ceramics factory in Sanaa’s Bani Matar area. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims regarding the strike.
The U.S. Central Command, responsible for American military operations, has not confirmed the airstrikes. This lack of acknowledgment aligns with its ongoing pattern, given that the command has received authorization from the White House to execute strikes as needed since this campaign initiated on March 15.
So far, the U.S. military has remained silent regarding the specific targets affected. The White House has indicated that over 200 strikes have been conducted, with recent intense airstrikes impacting locations in Hodeida, al-Jawaf, and Marib, as reported by the Houthis, although they did not disclose casualty details.
Houthis Report Downing Another U.S. Drone
The Houthis also claimed to have downed an MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen’s Hajjah governorate on Sunday night, which lies in the northwest of the nation along the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia’s border. Houthi military representative Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree presented the downing as the fourth such event within two weeks, stating that the drone was targeted using a “locally manufactured missile.” The rebels possess surface-to-air missiles, including the Iranian 358 variant, capable of shooting down aircraft.
Intensified U.S. Campaign Against the Houthis
A review by the AP indicates that the current U.S. operation against the Houthis under President Donald Trump appears to be more expansive compared to efforts under former President Joe Biden, evolving from merely targeting launch sites to hitting high-ranking individuals and bombing urban areas. The intensified airstrikes began following the rebels’ threats to resume targeting “Israeli” ships in retaliation for Israel’s blockade on aid entering Gaza, although the Houthis have not clearly defined what qualifies as an Israeli vessel.
In the past months, the Houthis have attacked more than 100 merchant ships, managing to sink two and resulting in the deaths of four sailors from November 2023 to January this year. Concurrently, they attempted attacks on American warships without success. The U.S. airstrikes show no indication of cessation, as the Trump administration links its actions against the Houthis to broader efforts to pressure Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions.
“What we’re doing with the Houthis and in the region demonstrates our capability to act decisively,” stated U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Fox News. “While we prefer not to take such measures, we will if necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” He further remarked that Iran likely observes the situation regarding the Houthis and is apprehensive about their actions.
