US Launches Major Airstrikes Against Houthi Positions in Yemen

Intensified Military Action in Yemen

Aden: On Wednesday, the United States executed a series of significant airstrikes targeting Houthi positions throughout Yemen.

Reports from Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV indicate that US aircraft hit over 50 Houthi locations across various provinces in northern, central, and western Yemen.

The Houthis have not revealed the casualty figures resulting from these airstrikes, but they have promised that the US actions will face retaliation.

They also declared their intent to continue assaults on vessels associated with Israel or the United States.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), an incident occurred Tuesday night where armed individuals pursued a vessel approximately 100 nautical miles east of Aden for about two hours, during which shots were fired, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"The Master changed course towards the Yemeni coast, and the small boats eventually departed the area. All crew members are reported safe," stated the UKMTO, adding that the vessel is now heading to its next destination.

This incident marks the first of its kind reported by UKMTO in several months.

Earlier on Sunday, the Houthi faction claimed to have downed another US MQ-9 drone, marking the 19th such incident since November 2023.

"A US MQ-9 drone was shot down while conducting hostile operations in the airspace of Hajjah province," said Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement broadcasted by al-Masirah TV.

Sarea noted that the drone was brought down using a locally produced surface-to-air missile, emphasizing that the ongoing US military actions have not diminished the group's operational capabilities.

The US resumed its airstrikes against Houthi forces on March 15, asserting that these operations aim to deter the group from launching attacks on Israeli and US naval assets in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, who control significant portions of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israeli interests since November 2023 to express solidarity with Palestinians facing bombardment in the Gaza Strip.