On October 4, 2024, U.S. and British forces executed airstrikes across various locations in Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah airport, according to reports from Al Masirah TV and local residents. The strikes also targeted areas south of Dhamar city.
These military actions come in response to ongoing attacks on international shipping by Houthi militants, which began in November 2023. The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has been embroiled in a complex civil war since 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa. This conflict has exacerbated the nation's challenges, leading to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The country's population of approximately 30 million has been severely affected by the ongoing hostilities.
The targeting of Hodeidah airport is particularly significant, as the city serves as Yemen's fourth-largest urban center and a crucial port on the Red Sea. Yemen's strategic location near the Bab el-Mandeb strait plays a vital role in global oil trade, highlighting the international importance of the region's stability.
The Houthi attacks have caused substantial disruption to global trade, forcing many ship owners to reroute vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Instead, ships are now taking the longer route around Africa's southern tip. This rerouting has significant implications, considering that the Suez Canal typically handles about 12% of global trade.
"These strikes are a necessary response to protect international maritime security and ensure the safety of commercial vessels in the region."
The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, emerged in the 1990s and follow Zaidi Islam, a branch of Shia Islam. They have developed advanced missile and drone capabilities, which have been used in their maritime attacks. Iran has been accused of supporting the Houthis, although it denies direct military involvement.
Yemen's rich history, dating back to the ancient kingdom of Saba (Sheba), contrasts sharply with its current state of conflict. Once known as "Arabia Felix" due to its fertile land, Yemen now faces severe economic challenges, with its infrastructure heavily damaged by years of war.
The United Nations has been attempting to broker peace in Yemen since 2015, but progress has been limited. The conflict has drawn in regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, further complicating the situation.
As the international community responds to the Houthi attacks, the impact on Yemen's archaeological heritage, including sites in Dhamar and the ancient city of Sanaa, remains a concern. These airstrikes mark another chapter in the ongoing struggle for stability in this strategically important yet troubled nation.