The Pentagon said US warplanes carried out several strikes Saturday evening on the Iranian-backed Houthis‘ advanced weapons storage facilities in Yemen. The weapons were used to attack military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, a U.S. defense official said. Yemeni media had previously reported that the US and UK had launched attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen.
According to the Al Masirah TV channel, the attacks took place in the areas of Jarban and Al-Hafa, in the province of Sana’a, as well as in the district of Sufyan. Israeli newspapers The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post also reported in the early hours of today about US and British attacks in Sana’a, Amran governorate and other areas. Iranian news agency IRNA echoed reports of the attacks, citing that the offensive targeted areas in Yemen’s Al-Hudaydah, particularly a village in the city of Al-Jarrahi.
The Houthi TV channel, Al-Massira, reported three attacks in different neighborhoods of Sana’a, the capital of Yemen. The Houthis, who control large areas of Yemen, have been carrying out attacks against Israel and ships allegedly linked to them for months, claiming to be acting in solidarity with the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which has opposed Israel in the Gaza Strip for a year. In response, the US and UK have carried out regular attacks on Houthi installations, but so far without succeeding in destroying the movement’s operational capacity. In mid-October, the United States reported striking the Houthis for the first time using B-2 stealth strategic bombers.
#raid #Time
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Middle East Political Analyst**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. As we’ve seen in recent news, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen this past weekend. Can you explain the significance of these strikes in the context of the ongoing conflict in the region?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely, thank you for having me. The airstrikes carried out by U.S. forces against the Houthi rebel’s weapons storage facilities mark a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Yemen’s prolonged conflict. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have not only targeted military installations but have also attacked civilian vessels in key maritime routes like the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. By targeting their weapon storage, the U.S. aims to disrupt these attacks and signal to Iran that such actions will not go unanswered.
**Host:** We’ve heard that these strikes were executed in specific areas, including the province of Sana’a. What does this strategic choice indicate about the U.S. military’s objectives?
**Dr. Thompson:** Targeting locations in Sana’a and surrounding areas like Al-Hafa is strategic for a couple of reasons. First, these areas are strongholds for the Houthis, housing critical military assets. Second, by striking at the heart of Houthi power, the U.S. is attempting to weaken their operational capabilities directly. This approach also sends a broader message of deterrence to Iran and its proxies in the region.
**Host:** There have been international reactions to the U.S. strikes. How do you see this impacting the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly U.S.-Iran relations?
**Dr. Thompson:** That’s an important consideration. These actions could exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and Iran, who have been engaged in a delicate balance of power in the region. On one hand, the strikes may demonstrate U.S. commitment to countering Iranian influence; on the other, they could provoke retaliatory measures from Iran or their allies, potentially sparking a larger conflict. The U.S. will need to navigate this situation carefully to avoid escalation while still protecting its interests and allies in the region.
**Host:** Lastly, as these military operations unfold, what impact do you foresee on the civilians in Yemen and the humanitarian situation there?
**Dr. Thompson:** Yemen has already been suffering from one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and further military action is likely to complicate an already dire situation. Airstrikes can lead to civilian casualties and damage essential infrastructure, exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Yemenis. It’s crucial for the U.S. and its allies to consider humanitarian consequences and work towards a comprehensive solution that addresses both military and civilian needs.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. The situation in Yemen remains complex, and it’s essential to keep a close eye on how these developments will unfold.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing this critical issue.
