Following U.S. airstrikes in Yemen that resulted in at least 31 fatalities and 101 injuries, the Houthi health ministry reported that the group plans to escalate its response. A Houthi spokesperson indicated that the group would retaliate with increased intensity.
President Donald Trump stated that he authorized the airstrikes on areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen, vowing to apply "overwhelming lethal force" until the group halts its attacks on a crucial maritime route. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have taken control of parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and have been launching missiles and drones at shipping vessels amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Explosions were reported on Saturday evening in Sanaa and Saada, a Houthi stronghold near the Saudi border. Yemeni TV footage and reports from The Associated Press depicted significant destruction, with rescue efforts underway amidst the debris. Images showed smoke rising from Sanaa’s airport, which houses a military facility, and strikes were also noted in Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib.
The airstrikes followed the Houthis' announcement of resuming attacks on Israeli ships near Yemen in retaliation for Israel's blockade on Gaza, which has impeded aid delivery. No attacks have been reported since this threat.
Nasr el-Din Amer, a Houthi spokesperson, claimed that most victims of the airstrikes were women and children, though this has not been independently confirmed. He stated that the Houthis would maintain their actions "until the blockade on Gaza is lifted" and promised a swift response to the escalation.
President Trump also cautioned Iran against supporting the Houthis, holding Tehran accountable for the group's actions. Iran provides financial, training, and equipment support to the Houthis. Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned of a decisive response to any threats but distanced Iran from the Houthis, asserting that the group makes its own strategic decisions.
The Red Sea is a critical passage for an annual $1 trillion in goods. The Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and causing four sailor deaths since the conflict in Gaza began in late 2023. Some shipping companies halted operations in the area due to these attacks.
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reclassified the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a designation previously revoked by Joe Biden's administration due to concerns about its impact on aid delivery to Yemen, which faces a severe humanitarian crisis.