The U.S. has intensified its bombing campaign in Yemen, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Civilians are being killed and humanitarian operations are strained due to Trump’s aid cuts and the designation of Houthis as terrorists. Experts and aid workers warn of impending catastrophe as strikes target populated areas, complicating aid delivery efforts.
The escalation of the U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen has intensified an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis, according to local citizens, humanitarian workers, and rights organizations. Aid efforts have become increasingly strained following significant cuts to aid by former President Donald Trump. Siddiq Khan, the country director for Islamic Relief in Yemen, remarked on the precarious nature of the situation, stating, “Now the rampant bombing has started, you never know which way things will go.”
U.S. airstrikes, which have been ongoing for over two weeks, are aimed primarily at the Houthi movement, which exerts control over large parts of Yemen. President Trump warned his adversaries, declaring, “Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before,” marking a significant military intervention in the region since January. These strikes are a retaliation for the Houthis’ attacks on commercial shipping influenced by tensions from Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The details of the military operations were inadvertently shared when a journalist was included in a private chat among U.S. officials. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz disclosed information about a targeted assassination of a Houthi figure, neglecting to include details on collateral damage or civilian safety. Strikes have predominantly targeted populated areas including the capital, Sana’a, and the port city of Hodeidah.
Niku Jafarnia from Human Rights Watch highlighted the challenges in assessing civilian casualties, noting that the Houthis have impeded access to impacted areas. However, she emphasized the prevalence of civilian injuries due to attacks on residential neighborhoods. For instance, reports indicate that American bombings have struck a cancer hospital and have resulted in deaths and injuries across multiple governorates.
The Yemen Data Project reveals that the initial week of the bombing led to at least 25 civilian fatalities, including four children. Strikes have also impacted civilian structures like schools and residential areas, underscoring the extent of collateral damage. Airwars, an organization monitoring casualties, corroborates these findings, documenting harm to women and children with UN reports verifying the death of two boys in Sa’ada due to airstrikes.
Yemen has faced a decade of conflict that has devastated its economy, with 19 million of its 36 million residents now reliant on humanitarian assistance. The situation is exacerbated by Trump’s reductions to USAID and the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, complicating aid delivery. Khan noted a worsening of conditions due to the bombardment and legal risks for organizations operating in Houthi-held areas, leading to a significant shrinking of humanitarian efforts.
The aid community is currently grappling with multiple challenges, including diminished resources and access restrictions imposed by Houthi authorities. An anonymous aid worker expressed frustrations, stating that operational capabilities have been severely hampered amidst concerning developments in the region. The persistent fear amongst agencies, coupled with restricted access, indicates that the humanitarian sector in Yemen could face an impending catastrophe.
Amidst challenges posed by numerous actors involved in the conflict, including Saudi Arabia’s bombings, the efficacy of U.S. airstrikes against the resilient Houthis remains in question, especially without the deployment of ground troops.
In summary, the increased U.S. bombing in Yemen has exacerbated a humanitarian disaster characterized by growing civilian casualties and crippled aid efforts. The combination of military actions, substantial aid cuts, and restrictive measures by Houthi authorities poses severe obstacles for humanitarian organizations striving to assist those in need. There is a dire outlook for Yemen if these conditions persist, signaling an urgent call for international awareness and intervention.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
