At least 40 US air raids in Yemen have killed at least 32 people and injured 101 people. Most of them are women and children.
The US air attack on Yemen killed at least 32 people and injured 101 people. Most of them are women and children. The strike began on Saturday and was extended until early Sunday.
US President Donald Trump ordered a series of massive attacks on Yemeni Hooti rebels after the group threatened to resume strikes on Israel-related ships in the Red Sea in response to Israeli-related blockades in Gaza.
To date, 40 attacks have been reported, most of which target Sadah Province, north of the capital Sanaa.
According to Yemenimedia, the US military launched an attack at:
Saada – Approximately 12 raids have been reported at Saada. According to Al Masirah TV, one strike at a power plant in the town of Dahyan caused a blackout. Dahyan is known as a frequent meeting place for Houthis’ hidden leader Abdel-Malik Al-Houthi. IBB Governor – According to Houthi Media, the most deadly attack occurred in the Kahza district of the IBB Governor, where US fighters targeted two home buildings and killed at least 15 people. SANAA – At least eight attacks have been reported in the capital, including those that have raided residential areas, killing at least 15 people and injuring nine people. “The explosion was violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake,” said Abdullah Yahia, a resident of Yemen’s capital. Governor Al Beida also faced eight raids, with the air attacks colliding with Al Majiza in Malibu, Anne in Damar and the main district of Hajiha province. TAIS – In the southwestern part of Yemen, Strikes targeted Tais’ Houthi military site, according to two local witnesses.
Who is Houthis?
The Houtis, also known as Ansal Allah (God’s Supporter), is a rebel group that rules much of Yemen, including parts of the western and northern part of the capital, Sanaa and Saudi Arabia.
Houthis appeared in the 1990s, but became prominent in 2014 when the group rebelled against the Yemeni government, forced them to step down, causing a crippling humanitarian crisis.
The group then spent years with Iranian support, fighting a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Analysts say Shiite groups should not be seen as representatives of Iran. It has its own foundation, its own interests, and its own ambitions.
Houthis controls the northwestern region of Yemen, including its capital, Sanaa, but the Yemeni government controls the south and east, with Aden serving as its temporary capital.
(Al Jazeera)
Why is the US attacking Yemen?
The attack comes after Yemeni rebel groups threatened to resume attacks on Israel-linked ships.
However, despite threats to do so last week, Houthis has yet to attack the ship.
Since November 2023, Houthis has launched numerous attacks on ships off the coast of Yemen. The group argues that these attacks are an act of solidarity with the Palestinians amid Israel’s war with Gaza.
A Pentagon spokesperson reported that since 2023, the Houchys have attacked 174 times and 145 times on commercial vessels.
The US Central Command, which oversees American operations in the Middle East, described Saturday’s strike as “the beginning of a massive attack across Yemen.” Officials say the strike was partially carried out by fighters from Harry’s Truman Airlines stationed in the Red Sea.
During the previous administration of US President Joe Biden, the US and the UK launched several attacks on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled areas, claiming they were targeting anti-ship missiles. Israel has also attacked Yemen’s infrastructure several times, including Sanaa International Airport, Seaport and power plants.
Aircraft launched by USS Harry’s Truman in the Red Sea before air was released at SANAA on March 15, 2025 [US Navy via AP]
Why is the Red Sea so important?
The Red Sea is a strategically important maritime trade route, with 12% of world trade passing through the water.
The Suez Canal and Bab Al Mandeb Strait are important choke points for energy shipments from the Gulf Coast, promoting the transport of 8% of total oil traded in the seaborne and global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.
In 2023, Bab Al Mandeb Strait alone handled 8.8 million barrels (bpd) of oil per day and 4.1 billion cubic feet (CF/D) of LNG per day, making it essential for global energy security and economic stability.
The main alternative to the Red Sea route is to sail through the Cape of Hope at the southern tip of Africa. This detour is significantly longer and expensive for global trade, especially for energy shipping from the Gulf to Europe and North America.
