The US bombing campaign in Yemen has escalated civilian casualties and worsened an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Local humanitarian workers report that airstrikes have targeted populated areas, while aid organizations struggle with funding and legal challenges. The situation continues to deteriorate amid concerns regarding the measures’ effectiveness against the Houthi movement.
The intensified US bombing campaign in Yemen is exacerbating the already grave humanitarian crisis in the nation, as noted by local witnesses, humanitarian workers, and rights groups. Following cuts to aid initiated by former President Donald Trump, civilians are facing increased destruction and unpredictability. Siddiq Khan, country director for Islamic Relief, highlighted the precarious situation: “Now the rampant bombing has started, you never know which way things will go.”
For over two weeks, US airstrikes have targeted the Houthi movement, a faction controlling much of Yemen. The bombings are described as punitive measures against the Houthis for their assaults on commercial shipping. In light of these actions, President Trump made a bold declaration, stating, “Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”
The announcement of the military operation came after internal communications revealed that US officials were boasting about the effectiveness of the strikes, with US national security adviser Mike Waltz sharing specifics about a Houthi missile commander’s death. Concern lingers regarding the civilian impact of airstrikes that have struck populated locations like Sana’a and Hodeidah, especially since detailed assessments are complicated by access restrictions imposed by the Houthis.
Human Rights Watch researcher Niku Jafarnia remarked on the difficulties faced in gathering accurate data: “There is no question there are civilian casualties. Residential areas are being hit in the middle of the night, which is a sure-fire way to kill civilians.” Reports from various sources indicate a concerning number of civilian casualties, including attacks on a cancer hospital and various civilian facilities.
According to data from the Yemen Data Project, the initial week of bombings resulted in the deaths of at least 25 civilians, with some strikes targeting innocuous venues like schools and residential buildings. Additionally, reports indicate the first US strike in the current campaign led to the death of 13 civilians. Airwars has similarly documented instances of women and children among the casualties.
The economic impact of a decade of violence has been devastating, with 19 million out of a population of approximately 36 million requiring humanitarian aid, and UNICEF highlighting a critical malnutrition rate in young children. Khan noted that the ongoing bombings are placing further strain on an already faltering aid sector, compounded by drastic cuts to USAid initiated by the Trump administration.
Humanitarian organizations are facing challenges in navigating legal risks while attempting to operate under stricter US laws, resulting in a further decline in aid. Furthermore, the climate of fear perpetuated by the Houthis, who have detained aid workers, exacerbates the situation. An anonymous aid worker described the compounded challenges faced by organizations as they endeavor to provide necessary services amidst insecurity: “So all of this really impacts the way our staff feel comfortable and safe to provide services to the communities.”
As the conflict persists, questions remain regarding the long-term effectiveness of US airstrikes against the Houthis without ground troops. The ongoing crisis in Yemen continues to result in severe humanitarian needs that remain insufficiently addressed.
In summary, the current US bombing campaign in Yemen has intensified the humanitarian crisis, resulting in significant civilian casualties and destruction, exacerbated by prior aid reductions. The complex interplay of aerial assaults, restrictive legal frameworks, and Houthi opposition creates a dire environment for humanitarian efforts. Continued monitoring and a reassessment of strategies may be crucial to alleviate the severely degraded conditions faced by the Yemeni population.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
