The Houthi rebel group has reported that at least seven civilians were killed and nearly 30 others injured in a series of suspected US airstrikes around Sanaa, the rebel-controlled capital of Yemen. The attack allegedly targeted a ceramics factory in the Bani Matar district, leaving significant destruction and sparking fires in the surrounding area.
Footage broadcast by the Houthi-owned Al-Masirah TV showed firefighters battling blazes, rubble strewn across city streets, and emergency crews evacuating the wounded.
Multiple Airstrikes Across Yemen
According to Houthi officials, additional airstrikes were carried out in Hodeida, Al-Jawf, and Marib governorates. While specific casualty figures for these locations were not provided, the attacks are seen as part of a broader US military campaign in the region.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the Middle East, has not yet confirmed the recent strikes.
Rising Death Toll in Ongoing Campaign
The strikes are part of a larger US military effort launched on March 15, reportedly in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which the group claims are in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
To date, the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry estimates that more than 120 people have died in the air campaign.
Another US Drone Shot Down
In a significant escalation, Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced that an American MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down Sunday night over Hajjah governorate, close to the Saudi Arabian border. Saree stated this was the fourth such drone downed in two weeks using a locally developed missile.
Experts suggest the rebels may be using advanced Iranian-supplied missiles such as the 358 surface-to-air missile, despite Iran’s official denial of arming the Houthis. UN and US investigations have previously uncovered Tehran-made weapons in Houthi-held territories.
Geopolitical Implications
The ongoing US airstrikes are also viewed through the lens of Washington’s broader pressure campaign against Iran, particularly over its nuclear ambitions. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the strategic objective of the campaign, noting that it is meant to demonstrate America’s capability to strike “deep and far” and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
As conflict continues to spiral in the Middle East, Yemen remains a flashpoint, with civilians bearing the brunt of a conflict shaped by regional rivalries, global diplomacy, and shifting military strategies. The international community is watching closely as the potential for further escalation looms.