**US Military Conducts Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen**

The United States military recently launched strikes on several cities in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and the critical port city of Hodeidah. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on social media that 15 Houthi-controlled locations were targeted, with four strikes in Sanaa and seven in Hodeidah.

According to the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV network, the Hodeidah strikes impacted the airport and a military base in the Katheib area. Verified social media footage showed significant smoke from the Hodeidah targeted areas. The Houthis also reported at least one strike in Dhamar province and air raids in Bayda province, southeast of Sanaa.

The Associated Press, citing unnamed US officials, revealed that the strikes aimed at Houthi weapons systems, bases, and equipment. Reports indicated that both military aircraft and warships targeted five Houthi strongholds. Although Al Masirah mentioned UK involvement, the UK Ministry of Defence denied any participation.

This escalation follows earlier attacks by the US, prompted by Houthi assaults on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim their strikes target vessels linked to Israel, aiming to show support for Palestinians amidst Israel's war on Gaza.

The situation has intensified with further conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group, leading to increased Houthi demands that Israel cease its attacks in Lebanon. Last month, Israeli strikes on Hodeidah reportedly killed at least five people after the Houthis targeted Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

Furthermore, the latest strikes occurred just a day after the Houthis attempted a drone attack on Tel Aviv, intercepted by the Israeli military. The Houthis also threatened escalated military actions against Israel following an incident involving a downed US drone over Yemen and an attack on US warships in the Bab al-Mandeb strait, which was thwarted by navy destroyers.

On Friday, thousands of Yemenis in Sanaa demonstrated to show solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanese amid the intensified conflict with Israel. According to Houthi official Hashem Sharaf al-Din, the attacks on Yemeni regions following these solidarity marches are seen as efforts to intimidate their people.