Huthi media reported new U.S. strikes in Yemen following large protests against previous bombings. Demonstrators in Sanaa chanted anti-American sentiments, marking the first U.S. strikes under President Trump, which aimed to limit Huthi attacks on maritime activity in the Red Sea. The United Nations called for military cessation while U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing strikes until Huthi aggression ends.
Reports from Huthi media indicate that new U.S. airstrikes struck Yemen on Monday, subsequent to large protests against prior bombings directed at the Iran-backed rebel group. Tens of thousands gathered primarily in the capital, Sanaa, voicing slogans against America and Israel while displaying weapons such as rifles and daggers. Demonstrations also occurred in Saada, Dhamar, Hodeida, and Amran, as captured by the rebels’ Al-Masirah TV station.
Protests erupted following the initial U.S. strikes under President Donald Trump, which aimed to curtail Huthi threats to maritime activities in the Red Sea. The strikes resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals and injured 98. Al-Masirah and Saba news agencies further reported that additional U.S. strikes targeted regions in Hodeida and Al-Salif on Monday evening.
During the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Huthis intensified attacks on ships, claiming their actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians. Earlier in the day, the Huthis reported having attacked the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier group twice within a day, though no official comment was made by the U.S. Washington has promised continued military action until Huthi attacks on the shipping lanes cease, with Trump warning of “overwhelming lethal force.”
In Sanaa, controlled by Huthis since 2014, demonstrators were seen waving large Yemeni and Palestinian flags. Despite a temporary cessation of Huthi assaults linked to a ceasefire in Gaza, substantial airstrikes occurred in northern Sanaa districts known to house rebel leaders. On Sunday, U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to ongoing bombardments until Huthi operations cease.
The United Nations urged both factions to halt military actions and expressed concerns regarding Huthi threats to renew Red Sea assaults. Meanwhile, China advocated for dialogue and negotiation, opposing actions that may escalate tensions. Previously, the Huthis had ceased such attacks following a ceasefire, but have signaled a possible return to hostilities amidst the humanitarian crisis escalating in Palestine.
Michael Waltz, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated that the strikes of Saturday effectively eliminated several key Huthi leaders, though the Huthis did not acknowledge this claim. Trump issued a stern warning that if the Huthis continue their aggressive actions, “hell will rain down upon you” and extended accountability to Iran for any Huthi actions, emphasizing potential repercussions.
Data from ACLED, a non-profit monitoring organization, indicates 136 Huthi attacks on maritime targets since October 19, 2023, leading shipping firms to reroute, incurring substantial costs. The previous Biden administration authorized military action against Huthi positions as well. The conflict has persisted since 2015 between the rebels and a Saudi-led coalition, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis.
The recent escalation of violence involving U.S. strikes in Yemen and the Huthi retaliatory demonstrations underscores the ongoing tension in the region, highlighted by heavy casualties and threats of maritime attacks. The situation remains fragile, with both local and international efforts seeking a diplomatic resolution amidst an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis. Continued military actions and political statements from involved parties further complicate the prospect for peace.
Original Source: homenewshere.com
