U.S. airstrikes kill at least 10 people in Hodeida, Yemen

Yemen has experienced a rise in violence due to suspected U.S. airstrikes in the ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels. In an incident on April 9, 2025, airstrikes hit the al-Hawak district near Hodeida, which is the main point of conflict due to its strategic location near the Red Sea. The Iranian-backed Houthis reported fatalities, stating that at least 10 people died and 16 were injured during the strikes. The airstrikes reportedly targeted a residential area, demonstrating the dangers that civilian populations face amidst the military operations. These recent U.S. operations highlight a shift in tactics under the Trump administration, focusing more on direct engagements and targeting of rebel leaders, in contrast to the previous Biden administration's approach. The U.S. has maintained that its air campaign aims to mitigate threats posed by the Houthis, who have been launching attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, endangering international maritime trade amidst the regional tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Furthermore, the Houthis have launched retaliatory attacks against U.S. military vessels and Israeli targets in solidarity with Palestinians, raising concerns about a potential escalation in military actions. The attacks represent a significant increase in U.S. military involvement and reinforce the intensity of strikes, with casualty figures indicating over 107 deaths among the Houthis since the air campaign began in mid-March. Overall, these developments underline the precarious situation in Yemen, illustrating how both local and international conflicts have interwoven to create a landscape rife with violence and humanitarian issues.