Trump Strikes Houthi Rebels in Yemen: Death Toll Rises Amid Controversial Campaign
The ongoing airstrikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels have sparked a fresh wave of controversy, especially following new statements from U.S. President Donald Trump. While the Houthis claim that suspected U.S. airstrikes killed two people in Saada, new video footage posted by Trump suggests a higher death toll and raises questions about the scale and impact of the U.S.’s intensified military campaign in Yemen. The question on everyone’s mind is: Are the airstrikes achieving their intended goals, and how many lives are truly being lost?
The Deadly Airstrikes on Houthi Strongholds
On Sunday, the Houthis reported that two people were killed and nine others wounded after airstrikes targeted a building in Saada, a stronghold of the Houthi rebels in northern Yemen. The footage aired by al-Masirah, the Houthis’ news channel, shows what appears to be a two-story building collapsing after an airstrike, with the rebels claiming it was a solar power shop. However, there was no inside footage released to verify the full extent of the damage or the nature of the casualties.
These airstrikes are part of a broader military campaign targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, following their recent attacks on shipping in the Middle East waters. The Houthis have long been at odds with the U.S., but the recent escalation in airstrikes seems to be linked to their involvement in the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Trump’s Bombing Footage Sparks Controversy
While the Houthis have confirmed two deaths in Saada, President Trump’s recent online video suggests the scale of the airstrikes is much more deadly. Early Saturday, Trump posted a video from what appeared to be a drone attack on a gathering of over 70 individuals, claiming that these rebels were gathered for instructions on an attack. A sudden explosion occurs in the video, leaving a massive crater behind. Trump’s message was clear: “Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!”
However, this video has raised more questions than answers. No official source, including the U.S. military’s Central Command, has provided detailed information about the incident, and the White House has not yet released specifics on the over 200 strikes that have occurred since March 15.
The lack of clarity on the actual targets and the number of casualties has fuelled debate. Some claim that Trump’s footage is just another political statement to increase pressure on the Houthis and Iran. Others point to the reality of civilian casualties, as reports from the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency claim the attack targeted a social Eid gathering in Hodeida, which may have resulted in dozens of deaths.
The Impact of Trump’s Military Strategy
The scale of these operations under Trump’s administration is unlike anything seen during the Obama or Biden years. Under former U.S. President Joe Biden, airstrikes focused primarily on targeting missile launch sites or infrastructure. But Trump’s aggressive approach seems to have expanded the scope of these airstrikes, now targeting not just military sites, but also high-ranking Houthi leaders.
According to reports, the strikes have expanded to target multiple governorates simultaneously, including Houthi communications infrastructure, command centres, and even previously untouched tunnel networks in the mountains. This escalation could have devastating effects on the local population and heighten the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Trump’s Unofficial Footage and the Question of Civilian Casualties
It’s not just the Houthis who are claiming civilian casualties. Yemen’s exiled government, which opposes the Houthi rebels, has backed Trump’s claims of a deadly strike. Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister, claimed that up to 70 Houthi fighters and leaders, including “experts” from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, were killed in the strike. These assertions, however, remain unverified, and it’s important to note that these claims could be politically motivated.
Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha has also cited social media reports suggesting that a high-ranking Houthi official was killed in the strike. However, these reports still lack concrete evidence. What we do know is that the situation is far from clear, and the death toll continues to rise as airstrikes increase in intensity.
Wider Implications of the U.S. Campaign
The ramifications of the U.S. military’s strategy are not only felt in Yemen but have reverberations across the Middle East. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have escalated their involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in relation to shipping attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The rebels have also threatened to target Israeli ships, further complicating the region’s already volatile situation.
The broader geopolitical tension between the U.S. and Iran seems to be playing a key role in these airstrikes. The Trump administration has made it clear that it is using its military leverage in Yemen to exert pressure on Iran, especially as concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme continue to rise.
Conclusion: Where Does This Campaign Go From Here?
The U.S. military’s airstrikes on the Houthi rebels have now entered a new phase under the Trump administration. The strategy has expanded beyond just targeting launch sites, with strikes now focusing on high-ranking rebel leaders and military installations.
However, the lack of transparency surrounding these operations raises serious concerns. With conflicting reports from the Houthis, the U.S. government, and independent experts, it is clear that the situation in Yemen remains deeply uncertain. As Trump continues to advocate for these operations and escalate the airstrikes, the question remains: what will the long-term effects of this campaign be, both for Yemen and for the broader Middle East?
Relevant links for further reading:
Photo credit: The Associated Press
