U.S. Orders Airstrikes in Yemen, 31 Killed
- paolo bibat
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
A wave of U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen has left at least 31 people dead and over 100 injured, according to Houthi health officials.
The strikes, which began late Saturday and continued into Sunday, mark the most significant U.S. military operation in the region since President Donald Trump resumed office in January.
The airstrikes came after President Trump warned that "hell will rain down" on the Houthis if they resumed attacks on Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthis had threatened such actions in response to Israel's blockade of Gaza, now in its third week. The strikes hit multiple locations, including residential neighborhoods in Sanaa, Saada, and al-Bayda, with reports indicating that women and children were among the casualties.
Anis al-Asbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-run Health Ministry, described the attacks as "criminal brutality." Local residents recounted harrowing scenes of destruction. "The blasts were intense and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake, frightening our women and children," said Abdullah Yahia, a resident of Sanaa.
The U.S. military campaign follows escalating tensions in the region. The Houthis, an Iran-aligned rebel group that controls large parts of Yemen, have conducted numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since late 2023.
These actions have disrupted international trade and prompted a strong response from Washington. On his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, "We will deploy overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective."
The strikes have drawn sharp criticism from Houthi leaders, who labeled them a "war crime" and vowed retaliation. "Our Yemeni armed forces are entirely prepared to respond to escalation with escalation," the group said in a statement.
The conflict comes amid broader regional instability tied to Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 48,000 Palestinians killed and more than 111,000 injured since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations despite a ceasefire agreement.
As tensions mount across the Middle East, analysts warn of potential wider implications. The U.S.'s intensified military involvement raises questions about its long-term strategy in Yemen and its impact on regional stability. For now, the situation remains volatile, with further escalations likely as both sides brace for continued conflict.
