Suspected US Strikes in Yemen: Death toll rises to 10

At least 10 people have been killed in suspected U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, according to Houthi rebel sources. The attacks, which targeted the area surrounding the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, occurred Tuesday night in the al-Hawak district. In addition to the fatalities, the strikes left 16 others injured.

Hodeidah, which includes the city's airport, has been a key area for Houthi operations, including past attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Rebel reports suggest that the strikes targeted residential areas, with footage showing scenes of chaos, as people rushed to aid the wounded and search for survivors.

The Houthis allege that U.S. airstrikes—part of a broader campaign aimed at countering attacks on regional shipping—have killed at least 107 people in Yemen. This latest wave of violence comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with the U.S. military's strikes reportedly extending to multiple other locations in Yemen, including Amran governorate, where telecommunication infrastructure was destroyed, and the mountainous regions of Jebel Nuqum, Dhamar, and Ibb governorates. These attacks have left at least three individuals injured.

The U.S. Central Command has not confirmed the specific strikes, in line with its typical stance, although the White House authorized such operations in mid-March. To date, over 200 airstrikes have been reported, but details regarding the targets remain scarce.

Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to countries and entities supporting the Houthi rebels, particularly concerning oil shipments from Houthi-controlled ports. This warning further escalates pressure on the rebels and could deepen Yemen's humanitarian crisis.

In another significant development, the Houthis claimed to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in the al-Jawaf governorate. They released footage showing the wreckage and stated that they used locally made missiles to bring down the drone. The U.S. military has acknowledged the incident but has not commented on the loss of the drone.

The current U.S. military operations in Yemen reflect a continuation of policies from the Trump administration, which also targeted Houthi leadership and key cities, rather than just rebel launch sites. These operations have intensified in recent months, particularly following the Houthis' threats against Israeli shipping. Since late 2023, the Houthis have attacked over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors.

As the U.S. military campaign presses forward, its scope appears to be linked not only to countering the Houthis but also to broader geopolitical pressures, including ongoing efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. With no signs of the strikes abating, the situation in Yemen remains volatile, adding to the region's growing instability.