Houthi Rebels Report Casualties in Air Strikes
A report from Houthi-aligned media on Saturday indicated that air strikes in northern Yemen resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, attributed by the rebels to the United States. According to Saba news agency and Al-Masirah television, an American attack targeted a solar energy site in the Hafsin neighborhood, located to the west of Saada city. The report confirmed that one citizen was killed and four others wounded in this incident.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke rising from the affected area, prompting civil protection teams to rush to the scene to extinguish fires and rescue survivors. The safety of the local community remains a critical concern as attacks attributed to the U.S. continue to escalate in regions controlled by the Houthis.
Ongoing Air Offensive by U.S. Forces
Since the U.S. commenced its air campaign against the Houthis on March 15, areas in Yemen dominated by the rebels have faced nearly daily assaults. The Houthis have retaliated against what they claim are U.S. attacks on both commercial and military shipping, citing their actions as a response to Israel’s military activities in Gaza. This ongoing violence marks a broader regional conflict involving the Houthis as part of the ‘Axis of Resistance’, a coalition supported by Iran that opposes both Israel and the United States.
The heightened tensions were further fueled by a provocative video shared by U.S. President Donald Trump, showcasing the aftermath of an air strike that purportedly killed numerous Houthi fighters. The video, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, depicted a drone strike and was presented as evidence of the U.S. military’s effectiveness. Trump proclaimed that the Houthis would no longer threaten American maritime operations.
Disputing Claims of Targeted Attack
In response to the U.S. government’s assertions, the Houthi media vehemently denied that the individuals impacted in the strike were military fighters. According to Saba, the gathering was a peaceful Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan, indicating that civilians were unjustly targeted in the attack. This revelation has sparked outrage among local communities and humanitarian organizations, emphasizing the plight of innocents caught in the conflict.
The situation in Yemen underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict, where civilian lives are perilously intertwined with military actions. As both sides present conflicting narratives regarding the attacks, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, leaving many vulnerable and in desperate need of aid. The international community remains concerned about the escalation of violence and the dire consequences for Yemen’s population.
