At least 40 US air strikes in Yemen have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals, including many women and children, and injuries to 101 people.

Trump ordered these attacks following Houthi threats from Yemen, stemming from Israel’s ongoing blockade on Gaza.

Most of these 40 air strikes have targeted Saada province, located north of the capital Sanaa.

According to Yemeni sources, the following areas were targeted:

• Saada – Multiple strikes were reported, including one on a power station in Dahyan, leading to power outages.
• Ibb governorate – The deadliest strike occurred in Kahza district, with attacks on two buildings resulting in at least 15 deaths, as per Houthi media.
• Sanaa – Eight raids hit the capital, including a strike on a residential area claiming 15 lives and injuring nine.
• Al Bayda governorate and other regions faced several strikes, with further areas impacted including Marib, Dhamar, and Hajjah.
• Taiz – Southern Yemen also saw strikes on Houthi military sites reported by local witnesses.

Who are the Houthis?

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (followers of God), control much of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, acting as a rebel group in opposition to the government since their rise in 2014. Though they receive support from Iran, they operate with significant autonomy.

Why is the US attacking Yemen?

The US launched these attacks in response to Houthi threats to target international shipping in the Red Sea, with no attacks having occurred as of the order for strikes. The Houthis have a history of attacking US and commercial vessels, and the current strikes are seen as a large-scale military action against Houthi-held territories.

Why is the Red Sea important?

The Red Sea, including the Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, is critical for global shipping, carrying significant proportions of global trade. The closure or disruption of these routes would have substantial implications for international commerce, particularly for energy deliveries, leading to allusions of alternative, yet less efficient and economically viable routes around the southern tip of Africa.