Rally in Sanaa Following U.S. Airstrikes: Houthi Militia's Standoff with America
Mass Gathering Organized by Houthi Rebels
In the wake of U.S. military airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, the militia held a large, defiant rally in the capital, Sanaa. Mohammed al-Houthi, a member of the militia's political bureau, proclaimed they would challenge the perceived "terrorism" of the U.S. and its allies, including Israel. Chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" echoed through the crowd.
The U.S. military actions, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted militia sites controlling major cities like Sanaa and Saada. According to Houthi estimates, at least 53 people died in the strikes, with 98 injured [1][2]. Leading Houthi members fled Sanaa and were advised to avoid public places.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. attacks would cease only if the militia halts its attacks on shipping [1][2]. The Houthis have declared they will resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea and claim to have attacked the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman for the second time. These claims remain unverified.
Context
The strikes, marking the largest U.S. military action in the Middle East since President Trump took office, targeted Houthi radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems. The U.S. aims to restore security in the Red Sea, disrupted by Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels [1][2].
The Houthis have responded by calling the strikes a "war crime" and vowed retaliation. They have previously launched attacks on shipping lanes and Israeli cities [1][2]. The international community is paying close attention to the situation due to its potential economic impact on the global economy and broader tensions in the Middle East [1].
[1] ntv.de, dpa
[2] ABC News, Al Jazeera
- While the Houthi militia in Yemen held a rally in Sanaa protesting the U.S. airstrikes, unconfirmed reports suggest they have threatened to resume attacks against ships in the Red Sea, possibly targeting the USS Harry S. Truman.
- The United States has accused the Houthi militia of targeting ships in the Red Sea, and it's been announced that the U.S. military operations will cease only when the militia halts its attacks on shipping.
- Despite the reported civilian casualties in the U.S. military operation against Yemen, officials have pointed out that the strikes targeted Houthi sites controlling major cities like Sanaa and Saada, including their radars, air defenses, and missile systems.
