U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen, causing widespread destruction

People in Yemen's Saada inspected the destruction following U.S. airstrikes on various locations across the country. Locals gathered at the site of the attack, where bulldozers and volunteers worked to clear debris in search of survivors, while medics treated the injured, including children, at a local hospital.

The unfolding strikes - which one U.S. official said might continue for weeks - represent the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office in January. It came as the United States ramped up sanctions pressure on Tehran while trying to bring it to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme.

U.S. President Trump stated that the airstrikes were a direct response to recent Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, emphasizing the necessity to protect international shipping lanes. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi condemned the U.S. actions, vowing retaliation and warning of potential missile strikes on American military assets in the region. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The Houthi-run Health Ministry reports at least 53 deaths, including five children and two women. Approximately 98 individuals are injured, many critically. The airstrikes have caused extensive damage to residential areas, including the destruction of homes and local businesses.

The airstrikes have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The destruction of infrastructure has disrupted essential services, including access to clean water and medical care, further endangering vulnerable populations.

The escalation has heightened tensions in the Middle East, with concerns over potential retaliatory actions by the Houthis and their allies. The situation remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring developments.