Daijiworld Media Network - Sanaa

Sanaa, Mar 16: US warplanes launched multiple airstrikes on Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13 people, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. The airstrikes, which also left nine others injured, targeted ammunition depots and key Houthi leaders' residences.

Witnesses reported explosions following the strikes, with white smoke rising from the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. Houthi officials claimed that parts of the Specialized Modern University near the Airport Road were also damaged.

This marks the first US military operation against the Houthis since President Donald Trump took office in January. Trump, who re-designated the Houthis as a ‘foreign terrorist organization,’ stated that the attacks aimed to protect American interests and restore freedom of navigation.

The US Central Command shared footage of warplanes taking off from an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, confirming that the strikes targeted Iran-backed Houthi infrastructure.

In response, the Houthis vowed retaliation, declaring that "this aggression will not pass without a response" and warning of further escalation. The group recently announced its intent to resume attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Houthis had previously carried out drone and missile strikes from November 2023 to January 19, before pausing amid a Gaza ceasefire deal. However, tensions have now reignited, raising concerns of further regional escalation.