Rising Toll: US Air Strikes in Yemen Claim 53 Lives Amid Houthi Retaliation Threats

Recent US air strikes in Yemen have led to significant casualties, including the deaths of five children. The Houthis have declared their intention to target US vessels in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in the region as US officials pledge ongoing military action against the rebel group.

Yemen's conflict remains at a boiling point following new US air strikes that have led to the deaths of at least 53 individuals, according to Houthi rebel claims, including five children. Strikes were reported early Monday in the Al Jaouf and Hudaydah regions, prompting reactions from the US Central Command, which confirmed that operations against the Houthis continued weel ahead.

The United States launched a targeted "decisive and powerful" air campaign on Saturday aimed at neutralizing Houthi threats to shipping in the Red Sea. According to US officials, multiple key Houthi figures were neutralized during these operations. However, the rebel group has not verified these claims nor confirmed the identities of those killed.

In the aftermath of the strikes, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned that his forces would retaliate by targeting US maritime interests as long as US military activities persist in Yemen. Spokesperson Anis al-Asbahi reported on X that the airstrikes had injured 98 people in addition to the fatalities.

Ahmed, a local father who has lived through years of conflict, expressed his horror at the violence, noting that he had never experienced anything of this magnitude during the war. Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated, "We just hit them with overwhelming force," indicating a firm stance against Iranian influence and Houthi aggression.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that the airstrikes reflect an ongoing commitment to ensure safe navigation in global waters. He stated that this campaign will remain "unrelenting" until threats from the Houthis are eradicated.

The Houthis maintain that their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hamas, alleging that they are targeting vessels exclusively linked to Israel or its allies. However, they have also been implicated in numerous attacks on various merchant ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, including incidents of sinking vessels and fatalities among crew members.

Former President Trump emphasized the United States' aggressive approach, stating, "We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective," while cautioning the Houthis against further aggression or they will face dire consequences.

In an unexpected reaction, Iran's Foreign Minister condemned the US actions, asserting that Washington has no authority in matters pertaining to Iranian foreign policy and calling for an end to the violence against Yemenis.

The United Nations' Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Sunday urged for immediate restraint and a halt to military actions in Yemen as rising tensions threaten to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.