Sanaa: At least 13 people were killed in US airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern Saada province, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. The death toll is expected to rise, with at least nine others reported injured. The airstrikes hit multiple locations, including the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa and the Shoab neighborhood in eastern Sanaa on Saturday night. Later, strikes targeted sites in Saada, a key Houthi stronghold.
Locals reported that the Sanaa strikes targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station. Witnesses saw white smoke and heard explosions after the attacks. Additionally, the airstrikes damaged parts of the Specialised Modern University in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood and targeted two homes of prominent Houthi leaders.
This marked the first US military operation against the Houthis since former President Donald Trump labeled the group a “foreign terrorist organization” in January. Trump stated the attacks were aimed at protecting American assets and restoring navigational freedom. The US Central Command also released footage showing warplanes conducting precision strikes on Houthi targets across Yemen.
In response to the strikes, the Houthis vowed retaliation, warning that the attacks would not go unanswered. The group stated it is prepared to escalate further. Additionally, the Houthis announced they would resume attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait until aid is allowed into Gaza. The group had previously launched numerous attacks against Israeli-linked ships and cities from November 2023 to January 2024 in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict.