On Saturday, the Iran-backed Houthis reported that U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, killed nearly 20 people in the past few hours. Houthi-affiliated media specified nine deaths and nine injuries, with residential buildings in the Sha’oub and Al-Jarraf districts heavily damaged. Earlier that day, intense bombardment struck residential zones and Houthi-controlled military sites. Local sources and residents, cited by Barran Press, confirmed that the strikes targeted homes of senior Houthi leaders in Sha’oub central Sana’a and Al-Jarraf, the group’s key stronghold in northern Sana’a.

The New York Times, quoting U.S. officials, reported that the airstrikes—ordered by President Donald Trump—focused on Houthi radar systems, air defenses, missile sites, and drones. The operation aims to restore access to Red Sea shipping lanes disrupted by Houthi attacks. Officials indicated the campaign might extend over several days, its scale hinging on the Houthis’ reaction.

President Trump announced a “decisive and powerful” military offensive against the Houthis, accusing them of piracy, violence, and terrorism against U.S. ships, aircraft, and drones. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “Today, I have ordered the U.S. Armed Forces to launch decisive and powerful military action against Houthi terrorists in Yemen.” Trump lambasted former President Joe Biden’s “pathetically weak” approach, claiming it emboldened the group, and issued a stark warning: “Your time is up.”