Protests erupt in Sanaa over U.S. airstrikes and Gaza
Demonstrators in Yemen's capital Sanaa rallied to denounce the recent wave of U.S. airstrikes and show support for Palestinians. Under the slogan "Steadfast with Gaza - Responding to U.S. Escalation with Escalation," protesters gathered at the Sabeen Square, waving Yemeni and Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."
The protests were a direct response to the U.S. airstrikes that targeted Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 53 individuals, including many women and children. The U.S. conducted these strikes in retaliation for Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, actions the Houthis justified as support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In addition to the rallies, the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea, asserting that these actions were in retaliation for U.S. aggression and a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians. However, the U.S. dismissed these claims, stating that the Houthis had missed their targets by "over 100 miles."
These developments highlight the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Yemen at the center of a complex geopolitical struggle involving local, regional, and international actors. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further escalation continues to be a significant concern for regional stability.
The escalation of conflicts in Yemen comes after Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, coinciding with the end of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement. Last week, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.
The situation in Yemen remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation between the U.S. and the Houthis, as well as the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine.
