Houthis Prepare for Retaliation Following U.S. Strikes in Yemen

The Houthi militia threatens revenge against U.S. forces after airstrikes lead to reported deaths in Yemen, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Houthis in Yemen have pledged to launch a retaliation campaign following U.S. military airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 31 individuals, including women and children. The airstrikes, ordered by President Trump, marked a notable escalation of U.S. military involvement in the region since his inauguration in January.

The strikes on Saturday targeted Houthi-controlled regions across Yemen, particularly in the capital of Sana and provinces such as Saada and al-Bayda. According to statements from Houthi-affiliated media, many of the casualties included civilians, with a spokesperson for the Houthi health ministry, Anis al-Asbahi, claiming that 101 others were injured, mostly being women and children. However, these figures could not be independently verified, and the U.S. has not released its own casualty estimates.

In a video release, the U.S. Central Command highlighted the use of precision strikes intended to defend American interests and maintain commercial freedom in the strategically important Red Sea. The Houthis, who have voiced support for Hamas in their ongoing conflict with Israel, have been conducting their own attacks against Israel and threatening shipping vessels in the region. The recent actions and retaliatory threats illustrate the rising tensions in the Middle East that have stemmed from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Yemen civil war.