Airstrikes Target Houthi Positions in Yemen
On November 11, 2024, a series of airstrikes reportedly conducted by American and British forces targeted the Houthi-controlled regions of Amran and Saada in northern Yemen. According to Yemen's Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, these strikes included seven raids on key locations such as the Bart and Sufyan junction in Amran and the Al-Rahba area in Saada. This escalation comes amid ongoing tensions and military actions in the region, particularly in light of the Houthis' recent claims of downing an American MQ-9 drone in Al-Jawf province.
Houthis Respond to Airstrikes
In the wake of these airstrikes, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree reported that the group has successfully shot down a total of 12 American drones during their ongoing military operations, which they refer to as the “Promised Victory and Holy Jihad”. This campaign is part of their broader response to the Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have intensified since October 7, 2023. The Houthis have been actively targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, asserting their military capabilities against perceived aggressors.
Escalating Military Conflict in the Region
The recent airstrikes by the United States and the United Kingdom are a direct response to the Houthi attacks on shipping and military assets in the region. The Houthis have declared that all American and British vessels are now considered military targets, expanding their operational reach to include ships traversing the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. This development marks a significant escalation in the conflict, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Yemen and the surrounding areas.
