U.S. Responds with Airstrikes in Yemen Following Houthi Missile Attack on Israel
Early Saturday morning, residents of Jerusalem, the northeastern Negev, and areas around the Dead Sea were startled by Red Alert sirens after a hypersonic ballistic missile was launched by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The missile, fired at 6:25 a.m., is part of a continuing escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have increased their regional strikes in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
Impact in Israel
Israeli authorities confirmed that a 26-year-old man sustained injuries while rushing to a bomb shelter, but no other casualties were reported. The missile strike adds to the heightened tension in the region, with ongoing fears of further attacks.
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U.S. Military Response
In retaliation, U.S. warplanes conducted nine airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. According to Al-Masirah TV, a network run by the Houthis, the strikes targeted key locations in Hodeidah and Marib provinces. Six of the strikes occurred in the Madghal district, two on Kamaran Island, and one in the Al-Salif district.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The missile attack and subsequent airstrikes are part of the ongoing escalation that began in November 2023. The Houthis, who control significant territory in Yemen, have launched several missile and drone attacks on Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These actions have disrupted vital international trade routes and prompted a series of military operations by the United States.
U.S. Military Campaign
On March 15, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major military campaign aimed at the Houthis, pledging to “completely eliminate” their missile and drone capabilities. The U.S. is also focused on defending Red Sea navigation routes from further disruptions. In return, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, including the USS Harry Truman and USS Carl Vinson, accusing them of involvement in bombing Yemeni positions.
Growing Fears of a Broader Conflict
The latest incident heightens concerns about a potential regional conflict, with both Israel and the United States significantly increasing their military postures in response to the ongoing provocations by the Houthis. As tensions continue to rise, there are fears that these hostilities could spill over, affecting the broader Middle East and international trade routes.
