The US bombing campaign is exacerbating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, resulting in civilian casualties and increasing aid challenges. With civilians killed in strikes and significant funding cuts to aid efforts, the situation is critical. Humanitarian organizations face legal and operational difficulties, leading to dire predictions for Yemen’s future.
The escalation of the US bombing campaign in Yemen has resulted in significant civilian casualties and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, particularly after aid cuts were implemented during Trump’s administration. Local residents and humanitarian workers highlighted the chaos and unpredictability following these increased airstrikes, with Siddiq Khan of Islamic Relief expressing concern about the ongoing violence.
The US has targeted the Houthi movement, seeking to deter their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which the Houthis justified as retaliation against Israeli actions in Gaza. President Trump announced these military actions, the first since regaining office in January, with a threatening message: “Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before,” indicating the severity of the operations.
Following the onset of the bombing, details regarding the military strategy were inadvertently shared when a reporter was included in a private chat with US officials, exposing discussions about the attacks. For instance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reported the death of a Houthi missile expert and shared reactions from other officials, failing to mention the potential civilian toll of such strikes.
Airstrikes have been carried out in locations such as Sana’a, Hodeidah, and Sa’ada, areas characterized by high population densities. Despite the challenges of evaluating civilian impact, it’s reported that residential neighborhoods are frequently hit, leading to numerous casualties, particularly during nighttime strikes. Human Rights Watch noted that restrictions imposed by the Houthis complicate investigations into bomb sites.
The Houthi-controlled media has accused the US of committing war crimes by targeting civilians, claiming multiple strikes on civilian facilities, including a cancer hospital. The Yemen Data Project reported at least 25 civilian deaths in the first week of attacks, with numerous strikes impacting schools and residential areas.
Monitoring organizations like Airwars have documented civilian casualties, including children, prompting concerns about the humanitarian implications of the bombings. Despite assertions from the US defense officials that they are conducting damage assessments with no evidence of civilian casualties, the overwhelming destruction has been witnessed through images showing devastated neighborhoods.
Yemen’s economy, already devastated by a decade of conflict, now faces further challenges, with approximately 19 million people, including 15 million women and children, requiring aid. Poor funding levels for humanitarian efforts have worsened the situation, and the cuts to aid funding and legal risks associated with designating the Houthis as terrorists hinder assistance efforts in the region, as noted by Khan from Islamic Relief.
Humanitarian groups are struggling to adapt to the rapidly deteriorating conditions while ensuring compliance with US law. The overall humanitarian response has declined sharply, leading to fears of collapse within the aid sector, as outlined by various aid workers. The environment for providing assistance is increasingly fraught, influenced by both US military actions and Houthi restrictions.
With ongoing conflicts involving numerous parties, the effectiveness of the US airstrikes in weakening the Houthis remains uncertain. The situation in Yemen continues to evolve under the turbulent influence of local and international actors, necessitating urgent attention to avert a looming catastrophe in the humanitarian landscape.
The escalation of US bombing in Yemen has significantly worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis, leading to civilian casualties and increased fear among aid organizations. Aid cuts during Trump’s administration compounded the challenges facing Yemen, pushing many organizations towards closure or downsizing. The ongoing conflict, alongside the complex interplay of various stakeholders, calls for immediate international engagement to address the dire conditions faced by the Yemeni people.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
