Yemeni sources revealed to Sky News Arabia that more than 75 Houthis, including experts from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, have been killed in American-British airstrikes since January 12. Dozens more have been injured in these operations.
The majority of the deaths occurred in raids targeting Houthi military sites in Hodeidah, Hajjah, Dhamar, Taiz, and Al Bayda. These strikes have significantly impacted Houthi forces in critical regions.
According to these sources, three members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, six Hezbollah elements, and two from Iraqi armed factions were among those killed. The foreign experts died in separate operations at various locations.
The American-British bombing campaign resulted in the destruction of missile platforms and drone storage facilities. It also thwarted several Houthi operations aimed at international navigation. The strikes have effectively disrupted Houthi military capabilities.
The recent airstrikes in Yemen, conducted by the United States and Britain, were in response to a series of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on international shipping in the Red Sea. The military action commenced on January 12, 2024, with support from other nations including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The operation involved manned aircraft from the U.S. Navy and Air Force, along with the United Kingdom, and also included the use of surface and subsurface platforms.
The strikes were a defensive measure following Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized that these targeted strikes sent a clear message that attacks on personnel or freedom of navigation in critical commercial routes would not be tolerated. The Pentagon indicated that the assault reduced the Houthis’ capacity to launch attacks, particularly complex operations such as those executed earlier in the week. The U.S. military reported hitting 60 targets in 28 locations, utilizing over 150 munitions.
The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for nearly a decade, admitted to losing five fighters in 73 air strikes. They vowed to retaliate and continue their attacks on shipping. In Yemen, crowds gathered in cities, protesting against the airstrikes and denouncing the actions of Israel and the United States.
The situation in Yemen has been further complicated by Iran’s involvement, providing the Yemeni group with military capabilities and intelligence. The U.S.-led strikes have raised concerns about the potential for a larger Middle East conflict, sparking discussions and reactions at the international level, including at the United Nations.
