US Air Strikes Kill at Least Eight in Yemen’s Capital as Death Toll Tops 220

At least eight people, including women and children, were killed in fresh United States air strikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, Houthi-affiliated media reported early Monday. Several others were wounded in the latest attacks targeting the Bani al-Harith district north of the city.

The US military acknowledged conducting more than 800 strikes across Yemen since launching its campaign in mid-March, raising the total death toll to at least 228, based on casualty figures provided by Houthi sources.

Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-run satellite channel, said Sunday’s strikes also hit the Amran and Saada governorates, with dozens reported killed in Saada after a detention center was bombed. Earlier attacks in Sanaa reportedly killed two people.

“These strikes have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement. CENTCOM emphasized that it would continue operations but would not disclose details of ongoing or future strikes for “operational security” reasons.

Since mid-March, US forces have carried out near-daily bombings in Yemen, citing the need to counter Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel. The Houthis, meanwhile, claim their attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

The latest escalation comes as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies pressure on Iran, a key backer of the Houthis, amid efforts to secure a new nuclear deal. US forces are conducting operations from the aircraft carriers USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea and USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.

Despite the continued US bombardment, Houthi fighters have maintained their missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets in the region.

The US has yet to publicly address the mounting civilian casualties resulting from its strikes, including the deadliest incident on April 18 when a strike on Ras Isa fuel port killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others.