DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Overnight airstrikes, believed to be conducted by the U.S., struck Yemen, reportedly resulting in at least one casualty. The American military previously admitted to targeting a significant military facility in central Sanaa, which is under the control of the Houthi rebels.
The full impact of the strikes and any further casualties remain undetermined. These attacks followed an intensified series of airstrikes that took place early Friday, marking a heightened level of aggression compared to previous missions since the operation’s inception on March 15.
An examination by the Associated Press indicates that the ongoing American operations under President Donald Trump appear to be more extensive than prior actions under former President Joe Biden. The focus has shifted from merely targeting launch sites to engaging high-ranking personnel and executing bomb strikes within urban areas.
Recent satellite imagery reviewed by the AP shows that a newly established airstrip off Yemen is now operational, facilitating flights and potentially accommodating B-2 bombers, thereby positioning them within striking distance of the country.
The latest round of airstrikes targeted various regions controlled by the Iranian-supported Houthis, including Sanaa and the governorates of al-Jawf and Saada, with the Houthi-run SABA news agency reporting that a strike in Saada resulted in one civilian death and four additional injuries. However, analysts speculate that the Houthis may be downplaying fatalities due to the nature of the strikes, which primarily target military and intelligence infrastructure.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed one airstrike early Friday, releasing footage that shows a bomb striking a military command center held by the Houthis. Meanwhile, the Houthi-controlled Telecommunications Ministry reported damage to “broadcast stations, communication towers, and messaging networks” in the Amran and Saada governorates as a result of the strikes.
This renewed airstrike campaign, which the Houthis claim has resulted in at least 58 fatalities, commenced after the rebels threatened to resume attacks against “Israeli” vessels in response to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Historically, the Houthis have not strictly defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, often justifying attacks on various vessels.
