US-Attributed Attacks Target Houthi Bases in Yemen

Airstrikes attributed to the United States in Yemen have left at least one dead. The US military previously stated that it bombed a major military base in the heart of Sana'a, the capital controlled by Houthi rebels. No reports have yet emerged regarding the extent of damages and potential casualties from the attack that occurred on the evening of Friday, April 8. According to the Associated Press, the new US operations during Donald Trump's presidency appear to be more extensive than those during the tenure of former President Joe Biden. The US is now targeting not only missile launch sites used by the Houthis but also senior personnel and cities in Yemen. On the other hand, satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press indicate that a mysterious runway on Mayun Island, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, has been prepared for the landing of fighter jets and B-2 bombers. Houthi-controlled media reported that the attacks on Friday evening targeted several areas in Yemen, including Sana'a, the capital, and the provinces of Al-Jawf and Saada. The Saba news agency, operated by the group, stated that one person was killed and four others were injured in the attacks on Saada. According to the Associated Press, analysts believe that the rebels may underreport casualties since the US targeted military and intelligence bases operated by the rebels. The Houthi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology reported separately that the US attacks destroyed "broadcast stations, telecommunications towers, and messaging networks" in the provinces of Amran and Saada. On March 16, 2024, Marco Rubio stated that the recent US attacks on the Houthis were a message to Iran. The new US airstrikes, which the Houthis claim have left at least 58 dead so far, began after the rebels threatened to target Israeli ships due to this country's obstruction of aid to Gaza. The rebels had previously attacked many commercial ships not belonging to Israel under the same pretext. Reports indicate that from November 2023 to January of this year, the Houthis targeted over 100 commercial vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two ships and at least four sailors losing their lives. They also attempted to target US warships but were unsuccessful. An analysis of satellite images by the Associated Press on Saturday shows that the US military has transferred at least four long-range stealth B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Previously, three bombers were stationed at this base. This means that now one-quarter of the US nuclear-capable bomber fleet has been moved to this base. The previous US administration used these aircraft to attack the Houthis.