At least 53 people killed in US strike north of Yemen capital

On March 17, the US conducted new airstrikes on Houthi forces in Yemen in a new offensive launched on March 15. This is the largest US military campaign in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January.

According to Houthi TV, at least 53 people were killed and nearly 100 injured in US attacks on the port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf province north of the capital Sanaa.

Earlier, on March 16, the US military said its fighter jets had shot down 11 Houthi drones. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the campaign would continue until the Houthis stopped attacks on US forces.

The attack has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East, prompting the international community to call for a ceasefire.

The Houthis had previously stopped attacking Israel and global shipping lanes when a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took effect in January this year.

However, over the weekend, the force announced that it would resume attacks until Israel lifted the aid blockade on the Gaza Strip, imposed on March 2 after the end of phase one of the ceasefire deal and the release of hostages.