The first US strikes against Yemen’s Houthis since Donald Trump took office killed 31 people, the rebels said on Sunday, with the US president warning “hell will rain down” upon the Iran-backed group if it did not stop attacking ships.
The Houthis, who have targeted Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians.
Attacks on the rebel-held capital Sanaa as well as Saada, Al-Bayda and Radaa killed at least 31 people and wounded 101, “most of whom were children and women”, Houthi health ministry spokesperson Anis al-Asbahi said.
The White House said multiple Houthi leaders were killed during Saturday’s strikes, adding Iran was “put on notice” to stop backing the group and its attacks on shipping.
US air strikes “actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out”, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz told ABC News.
Yemenis described their panic and fear at the strikes, even after years of conflict in the country.
“The house shook, the windows shattered, my family and I were terrified,” said a father-of-two called Ahmed.