Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Report Casualties Following Alleged Israeli Airstrikes
Houthi rebels in Yemen have reported the deaths of four of their members in the western part of the country, attributing the casualties to airstrikes allegedly carried out by Israel on Monday. The strikes were purportedly a response to the insurgents’ continued attacks, which the Houthis claim are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
According to Al-Massirah, the Houthi-run media outlet, citing the Houthi Ministry of Health, "Three people were killed and 35 injured as a result of the American-Israeli aggression against the Bajil cement factory," while "the bombing of the port of Hodeida resulted in one death and four injuries."
Israel announced on Monday that it had targeted Houthi infrastructure for the fifth time since July 2024, citing the "repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel." However, a US military official denied any American involvement in the strikes.
The Houthi rebels, who control significant portions of Yemen, have claimed responsibility for dozens of missile and drone attacks against Israel, as well as against ships they allege are linked to Israel in the waters off the coast of Yemen. These attacks have escalated since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, with the Houthis asserting that their actions are driven by solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The Israeli military claims that a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday struck within the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s primary airport near Tel Aviv, marking the first time a missile from Yemen has reached this location. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they "will strive to impose a total air blockade on the Israeli enemy by repeatedly striking airports."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against the Houthis and against Iran, which is accused of supporting the rebel group. Israel has carried out several strikes against strategic Houthi targets in recent months. The United States, Israel’s primary ally, has reportedly intensified its attacks against Houthi positions since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
According to Houthi authorities, the Israeli strikes have resulted in a total of 29 deaths, including those from Monday’s alleged attacks.
The situation in Yemen remains complex and volatile, with multiple actors involved and shifting alliances. The Houthi rebellion began in the early 2000s, stemming from grievances over political marginalization and economic hardship. The group’s influence grew significantly following the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, and by 2014, they had seized control of the capital, Sana’a, forcing the internationally recognized government into exile.
A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, aiming to restore the government and counter Iranian influence in the region. The conflict has since devolved into a protracted civil war, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis. Millions of Yemenis have been displaced, and the country faces widespread food insecurity and disease.
The Houthis’ attacks against Israel and shipping lanes in the Red Sea have added another layer of complexity to the conflict, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for escalation. The group’s actions have disrupted international trade and prompted increased military deployments in the region.
The United Nations has been working to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen, but progress has been slow. The differing interests and agendas of the various parties involved have made it difficult to reach a comprehensive agreement.
The recent reports of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen further complicate the situation and raise questions about the potential for direct confrontation between Israel and the Houthis. The involvement of external actors, such as the United States and Iran, also adds to the complexity of the conflict and makes it more difficult to resolve.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to worsen, and the ongoing violence is exacerbating the suffering of the Yemeni people. International aid organizations are struggling to provide assistance to those in need, and access to affected areas remains a challenge.
The situation in Yemen is a reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. The international community must work together to support efforts to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. The alleged Israeli airstrikes, and the Houthis reaction, add more fuel to the fire that is the middle east.
