Synopsis
On April 16, the US launched extensive airstrikes targeting Houthi positions across Yemen, aiming to deter attacks against Israeli and US naval assets. The strikes hit over 50 sites, while the Houthis vowed to respond. The recent military actions coincide with ongoing regional tensions and previous drone engagements.Key Takeaways
- The US carried out airstrikes on over 50 Houthi sites.
- The Houthis vowed retaliation for the airstrikes.
- Recent naval encounters were reported near Aden.
- The Houthi group claims to have shot down another US drone.
- The US aims to deter Houthi attacks on Israeli and US naval forces.
Aden, April 16 (NationPress) The United States executed extensive airstrikes targeting Houthi positions across Yemen on Wednesday.
US aircraft reportedly attacked over 50 Houthi sites in various provinces in the north, center, and west of Yemen, as reported by Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV.
The Houthis did not reveal the casualty figures resulting from the US airstrikes, asserting that the US assaults "will not go unanswered."
The group declared it would persist in targeting vessels associated with Israel or the United States.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Tuesday night that a vessel approximately 100 nautical miles east of Aden was pursued by armed individuals in several small crafts for about two hours, with gunfire exchanged during the incident, according to Xinhua news agency.
"The Master adjusted the vessel’s course towards the Yemeni coastline, and the small crafts subsequently departed the vicinity. All crew members are safe and well," the UKMTO statement noted, adding, "The vessel is en route to its next destination."
This incident marks the first of its kind reported by UKMTO in the region in several months.
Earlier on Sunday, the Houthi faction confirmed that it had shot down another US MQ-9 drone, marking the 19th such downing since November 2023.
"A US MQ-9 drone was downed while conducting hostile operations in the airspace of Hajjah province in northwestern Yemen," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated in a broadcast by Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV.
Sarea further mentioned that the drone was brought down using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile, emphasizing that "the ongoing US aggression" has not diminished the group's military capabilities.
The US resumed its air operations against Houthi forces on March 15, stating that its strikes aimed to deter the group from executing attacks against Israeli and US naval assets in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, who dominate large areas of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israeli interests since November 2023 to demonstrate support for Palestinians facing bombardment in the Gaza Strip.
