Houthi Rebels Report Civilian Casualties in Joint US-British Airstrikes in Yemen

 

In a dramatic escalation, joint British-US airstrikes targeted Yemen's Houthi rebels, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 35 injuries, according to the rebels on Friday. This represents the highest acknowledged death toll from multiple rounds of strikes in response to the Houthi's attacks on shipping routes.

Details of the Airstrikes

Three US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Thursday’s strikes as comprehensive, hitting various underground facilities, missile launchers, command sites, a Houthi vessel, and other installations. These strikes were a reaction to a recent increase in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, amidst the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

US F/A-18 fighter jets launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea were involved, alongside other US warships in the region.

Impact on Civilians

The Houthis, however, highlighted one specific strike that reportedly hit a building housing Hodeida Radio and nearby civilian homes in the Red Sea port city. The Houthi-run Al Masirah satellite channel aired footage of injured individuals being carried to hospitals. The rebels claimed all the casualties in Hodeida were civilians, though this has not been independently verified.

Other strikes were reported outside Sanaa, near its airport, and in Taiz, targeting communication equipment. These likely indicate hits on Houthi military sites.

https://starglowe.com/airstrikes-unleashed-us-and-uk-s-deadly-response-to-houthi-assaults-on-shipping-lanes/

Statements from Officials

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the strikes, describing them as punitive actions for Yemen's support of Gaza and opposition to Israel's actions.

In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Defense Ministry confirmed the involvement of Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s in strikes on Hodeida and Ghulayfiqah, targeting drone control facilities and long-range drones. Sunak justified the strikes as self-defense against ongoing threats from the Houthis.

Context of the Conflict

Since January, the US and the UK have conducted multiple strikes against the Houthis. The group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, reported a total of 40 deaths and 35 injuries from these strikes, without specifying the split between civilians and combatants.

The Houthis have intensified their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demanding an end to the war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties. Their recent actions include over 50 attacks on shipping, killing three sailors, seizing one vessel, and sinking another. This week, they targeted a grain ship headed for Iran.

Additionally, a US MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly crashed in Yemen, with the Houthis claiming a missile strike. The US Air Force did not report any missing aircraft, suggesting possible CIA involvement.

This ongoing conflict underscores the complex and volatile situation in Yemen, reflecting broader regional tensions and the intricate web of alliances and hostilities.

https://starglowe.com/airstrikes-unleashed-us-and-uk-s-deadly-response-to-houthi-assaults-on-shipping-lanes/

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