Sanaa, Jan 9 (IANS): The US-British coalition intensified its airstrike campaign in Yemen, targeting Houthi military sites in the capital Sanaa and northern provinces, according to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV.
- Key Developments:
Recent Strikes:
- Thursday Strikes:
Sanhan district south of Sanaa: 5 airstrikes.
Harf Sufyan district in Amran province: 5 airstrikes.
Al-Luhayyah district in Hodeidah province: 1 airstrike.
Wednesday Strikes:
Targeted similar locations in Sanaa and Amran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Confirmation:
- CENTCOM stated the strikes targeted two Iranian-backed Houthi underground Advanced Conventional Weapon (ACW) storage facilities.
These facilities were reportedly used for attacks on US Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Houthi Response:
- Houthi official Hussein al-Ezzi criticized the strikes, warning the US of potential retaliation, stating, "America continues its aggression but does not know what awaits it."
The group has expanded its attacks to include US warships and disrupted shipping routes, citing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza conflict.
Background Context:
Ongoing Hostilities:
- The Houthis have controlled much of northern Yemen and have been conducting attacks against Israel and disrupting Red Sea shipping since November 2023.
In retaliation, the US-led coalition has launched regular air raids targeting Houthi military positions.
Previous Strikes:
- On January 5, the coalition launched three airstrikes on a Houthi military site in Saada province.
Strategic Implications:
Regional Tensions:
- The conflict reflects the broader geopolitical struggle involving the US, Iran, and their regional allies.
The strikes underline the US-British coalition's efforts to counteract Houthi aggression and safeguard maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Humanitarian Impact:
- The escalation of airstrikes raises concerns about civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, already described as one of the world's worst by the United Nations.