Daijiworld Media Network- Sanaa

Sanaa, Mar 16: A series of US airstrikes ordered by former President Donald Trump struck Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, killing 31 militants and causing significant damage to their infrastructure, sources reported on Sunday.

According to defense officials, the strikes were launched in response to continued Houthi aggression in the region, particularly targeting key military sites used by the Iran-backed group. The offensive, carried out by US fighter jets and drones, reportedly hit rebel strongholds in Sanaa and Hodeidah, marking a major escalation in tensions.

Eyewitnesses described intense explosions and fire engulfing several Houthi-controlled areas, with local sources confirming casualties among both militants and civilians. However, the exact number of civilian casualties remains unclear.

The Pentagon justified the strikes, stating they were a "necessary defensive action" to curb threats posed by the Houthi militia, which has been launching drone and missile attacks on US-allied targets in the Middle East. The Houthis, however, condemned the assault, vowing retaliation and calling it an "act of American aggression."

Tensions in the region have heightened in recent months, with the US and its allies increasing military operations against Houthi rebels, who control large parts of northern Yemen. The latest strikes mark a significant development, raising concerns over potential wider regional conflict.

Further updates are awaited as the situation unfolds.