Escalating Conflict: US-British Airstrikes on Yemen
The Houthi group reported on Friday that there have been 18 airstrikes by American and British forces on multiple locations in Yemen, particularly targeting the coastal city of Hodeidah. According to Al-Masirah TV, three additional strikes were launched in the Al-Jabana area, contributing to the total of 18 strikes that day. The previous raids included significant attacks on the capital, Sanaa, and other regions such as Dhamar and Al Bayda, with the Houthis claiming a total of 39 strikes this week alone.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that these strikes were aimed at Houthi targets to protect freedom of navigation in international waters. However, CENTCOM did not acknowledge any British involvement in these operations, contradicting the Houthi claims.
In response to the ongoing attacks, Houthi official Ali Al-Qahoum threatened a “harsh, devastating and painful response” to the United States and Britain, asserting that they would bear the consequences of escalating the conflict in the region. This rhetoric follows the Houthis' recent declaration of targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea as part of their solidarity with Gaza amid the ongoing conflict there.
The situation in Yemen remains dire as the conflict intensifies, with both sides preparing for further military actions. The Houthis have vowed to consider all American and British ships as military targets, expanding their operational reach to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, indicating a potential escalation in maritime tensions. This ongoing conflict not only affects Yemen but also has broader implications for regional stability and international shipping routes.
