The Houthi group in Yemen says the United States launched 10 air strikes across three provinces on Saturday, escalating tensions in a region already on edge.
According to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, the strikes hit targets in Al-Hudaydah, Bayda, and Saada, areas where the group maintains a strong presence.
These air strikes come weeks after US President Donald Trump announced what he called “decisive and powerful military action” against the Houthis. The President also warned that the US was prepared to take further steps, including what he described as the possibility of “completely annihilating” the group if provocations continued.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been targeting international shipping routes in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023. They claim their actions are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where nearly 51,000 people have reportedly been killed amid ongoing Israeli military operations.
The air strikes are seen as a direct response to the Houthis’ recent threats and attacks on maritime vessels. Earlier this year, the group renewed its campaign against shipping lanes after accusing Israel of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, breaking a ceasefire agreement signed in January with Hamas.
While the US has not released an official statement detailing the locations or damage caused by the latest strikes, the actions reflect growing American resolve to counter Houthi influence in the region. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military action if the conflict continues to expand.