US Airstrikes in Yemen Leave 53 Dead as Houthis Threaten to Escalate
The United States has intensified its military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, carrying out a series of airstrikes that have resulted in significant loss of life. Reports indicate that at least 53 individuals, including women and children, were killed, with over 100 others injured. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance, warning the Houthis to halt their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea or face severe consequences, promising that “hell will rain down” on them if they persist.
Here’s a breakdown of the conflict in 10 key points:
- Airstrikes Hit Multiple Targets
The U.S. launched overnight airstrikes starting around midnight on Sunday, targeting Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the Houthi stronghold of Sadaa, among other locations. - High Casualty Toll
According to the Houthi-run Health Ministry, the strikes claimed at least 53 lives, including five women and two children, and left more than 100 people wounded. - Trump’s Ultimatum
President Trump demanded that the Houthis cease their assaults on international ships in the Red Sea, a critical global trade route. He vowed an unprecedented U.S. response if the attacks continue. - U.S. Commitment to Ongoing Strikes
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the strikes would persist until the Houthis lose their ability to target international shipping, signaling a sustained military effort. - Houthi Attacks on Shipping
The Houthis have repeatedly attacked vessels in the Red Sea, sinking two ships, as a show of support for Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The U.S. reports 174 direct attacks on its navy and 145 on commercial shipping over the past 18 months. - Ceasefire and Renewed Threats
A ceasefire in Gaza in January had paused Houthi attacks, but last week, the group threatened to resume targeting Israeli vessels after Israel blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza. No attacks have been reported since the announcement. - U.S. Claims of Success
National Security Adviser Michael Waltz stated that the strikes eliminated several Houthi leaders and damaged key facilities, though specifics were not disclosed. - Houthi Retaliation
The Houthis claimed to have fired missiles and a drone at the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group in response to the U.S. strikes, vowing to match any escalation with their own.? - Details of Houthi Counterattack
U.S. sources confirmed the Houthis launched 11 drones and at least one missile over a 12-hour period. Most were intercepted by U.S. Air Force and Navy jets, and the missile fell harmlessly into the water, leaving the carrier group unharmed. - Iran’s Alleged Role
The Trump administration has accused Iran of supporting the Houthis and promised to hold Tehran accountable. Iran has rejected these claims, condemning the U.S. for trying to influence its foreign policy.
The situation remains volatile, with both the U.S. and the Houthis preparing for possible further escalation. The conflict’s toll on civilians and its disruption of Red Sea shipping lanes underscore its significance on the world stage.
