In recent developments, United States airstrikes in Yemen’s Sanaa province have reportedly resulted in six fatalities and left over a dozen individuals injured, as indicated by Houthi media outlets. According to Al Masirah, a news network affiliated with the Houthi movement, two U.S. air raids targeted specific locations in the al-Yatmah area of Khab and the al-Sha’af District in al-Jawf governorate, situated in northern Yemen.
In a subsequent statement, the Houthi movement claimed to have successfully shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone within the airspace of Hajjah governorate utilizing a locally produced surface-to-air missile. As of now, the U.S. government has not issued a public response regarding this assertion.
Since March 15, the Houthis have reported that their territories in Yemen have experienced nearly daily airstrikes, which the group attributes to U.S. military actions aimed at deterring them from threatening maritime routes. These ongoing operations have unfortunately resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction, with numerous families affected by the violence.
The Houthis intensified their military activities against maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as against Israeli territory, following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Although the group paused their assaults during a temporary ceasefire in January, renewed tensions have spurred a resurgence in their military operations.
Following Israel’s decision to halt supplies to Gaza at the beginning of March and subsequent military action in the Palestinian territory from March 18 onwards, the Houthis have voiced solidarity with the Palestinian cause by targeting U.S. military vessels and Israeli installations. Recently, they claimed responsibility for a missile launched toward a military base in the Israeli port city of Ashdod, as well as Ben Gurion International Airport located near Tel Aviv. Residents of Jerusalem reported hearing sirens in response to the missile’s trajectory around 6:16 PM local time.
Notably, the Houthis have expressed support for the ceasefire agreements negotiated between Israel and Hamas, advocating for peace and stability in the region. They have reiterated their commitment to ceasing military operations should a truce be established.
The recent escalation in hostilities emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and resolution to achieve lasting peace in this increasingly volatile region.
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