At least nine civilians were killed and nine injured in US strikes on Yemen’s capital on Saturday, a spokesman for the Houthi-run health ministry said.
President Donald Trump said he ordered airstrikes on Sanaa, vowing to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping in a key maritime corridor.
“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump wrote on social media. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
Trump also warned Iran to stop backing the Houthis, saying the US would hold Tehran “fully accountable” for its proxy’s actions. His statement comes two weeks after he sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restart talks over Iran’s nuclear program, which he has vowed to prevent from becoming operational.
The Houthis reported a series of explosions in their territory, with images circulating online showing thick black smoke rising over the Sanaa airport complex, which houses a military facility.
At least nine people were killed and nine others injured, according to Anees al-Asbahi, spokesman for the Houthi-run health ministry. Houthi official Nasruddin Amer said the airstrikes would not deter them, vowing retaliation against the US. “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges,” he said.
Smoke rises from a location reportedly struck by U.S. airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman
The US operation comes after the Houthis recently announced they would resume attacks on Israeli ships in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The rebel group has previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two and killing four sailors since the Israel-Hamas war began in late 2023.
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The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, including three Navy destroyers and a cruiser, participated in the strikes, along with the USS Georgia cruise missile submarine. Trump announced the operation while spending the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump said.
(With Inputs from AP)
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