US strikes on Yemen: Tensions escalate as Houthi forces respond
Yahya Saree Qasim, spokesman for Yemen’s Houthi group on 3 May 2024. (AFP Photo)
Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Iran-backed Houthi armed group, announced that the United States have carried out extensive airstrikes across Yemen, targeting the capital Sana’a and seven other provinces, with more than 47 air raids.
According to Saree’s statement, these U.S. airstrikes have led to various crimes being committed, with dozens of casualties reported, including both deaths and injuries. These figures remain uncertain, and the death toll and number of wounded may continue to rise.
Furthermore, the Houthis have confirmed they conducted a special operation against the USS Truman aircraft carrier and accompanying naval forces. The operation targeted the Truman and its escorts in the northern Red Sea with 18 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on continuing strikes against Houthis
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. will continue its attacks on Houthi forces in Yemen. Speaking to Fox News, Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. stance on the Houthis is clear.
“The strikes will stop when the Houthis say, ‘We will stop attacking your ships and drones,’ but until then, these operations will continue relentlessly,” Hegseth stated.
He added that the U.S. military’s actions against the Houthis are directly tied to American national interests, noting, “Iran has been providing support to the Houthis for a long time. It would be best for them to pull back now.”
Trump’s order for increased military action
In a separate statement, U.S. President Donald Trump announced through his Truth Social platform that he had ordered the military to launch a major attack on the Houthis in Yemen.
In response to U.S. and U.K. airstrikes on Sana’a and the northern city of Saada, the Iran-backed Houthis claimed that 31 people, mostly women and children, were killed, and 101 were injured.
On March 7th, the Houthis issued a warning to Israel, giving it four days to allow aid into Gaza, or they would resume naval operations against Israel.
