Let’s dive into a story that has sent major shockwaves around the globe. Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, on Thursday, 26th December. Israeli officials confirmed that the Air Force carried out its largest strike to date in Yemen, targeting key infrastructure, including Sanaa International Airport. They targeted the city’s international airport, a military airbase, power stations, and even port facilities. All of these are areas controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The United Nations has stepped in, with the Secretary-General calling this escalation “especially alarming.”
The question that is most probably on your lips right now is “why? What may have caused this major crisis?” Based on reports from Israeli officials, the strikes are a direct retaliation for the missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis against Israeli territory on December 21st.
The strikes reportedly extended to Hodeidah’s port and a power station, resulting in power outages across the country. Officials have also noted that 100 aircraft participated in the operation, which was coordinated in advance with the United States. An Israeli source declared, and I quote, “We said the Houthis would pay a heavy price. If they don’t understand force, they’ll understand even greater force.” The source also added that this strike will not be the last.
Reports indicate that all targets were civilians, and a number of casualties were recorded although the exact number remains unclear at this moment. However, according to Houth-run al-Masirah television,” at least four people were killed and a dozen more were injured.” This is an exceptionally devastating and unfortunate addition on the woes of the Yemeni people. Think about this. Yemen is already battling with a number of humanitarian crises of unfathomable proportions. Ongoing conflicts, economic insecurity, widespread malnutrition, a fragile healthcare system, and recurrent disease outbreaks. These strikes only add to the woes of the Yemeni people.
So, what happens next? Will this be the spark for a broader conflict in the region? Can the United Nations or other international bodies intervene to put an end to these outrageous attacks, or are we witnessing a conflict that will only spiral further out of control? These questions don’t have quite the easy answers we would expect.
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