US Airstrikes Hit Yemen's Capital, Killing One: Houthis

Suspected U.S. airstrikes targeted areas around Yemen's rebel-held capital, Sanaa, overnight into Monday morning, with the Iranian-backed Houthis reporting at least one fatality. Four others were also injured, although the full extent of the damage and additional casualties is unclear.

The strikes came after a series of intense air raids on Friday, which were notably more severe than previous attacks since the U.S. resumed its operations against the Houthis on March 15. While the targets of the strikes were not shown, the rebels' al-Masirah news channel aired footage of shattered glass and damaged homes, suggesting the attacks hit military or intelligence sites.

This latest round of airstrikes, which the Houthis claim has killed at least 59 people, is part of a broader U.S. operation that, under President Joe Biden, has expanded to target both launch sites and senior personnel. U.S. strikes now also hit urban areas, including civilian locations.

The escalation follows threats from the Houthis to resume targeting "Israeli" ships in retaliation for Israel's blockade of aid to Gaza. The Houthis have a history of loosely defining "Israeli" ships, meaning other vessels may be targeted. Between November 2023 and January 2024, they attacked over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two ships and killing four sailors, while also launching strikes on American warships, though none have been hit.

As the Houthis face internal economic struggles and crackdowns on dissent, these attacks have brought them increased attention amid Yemen's devastating decade-long war.