Nine killed in US strikes on Yemen, say Houthi rebels

Yemen: Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed that nine people were killed in attacks on the Yemeni capital on Saturday, following a strike announced by US President Donald Trump.

The Houthis’ Ministry of Health and Environment said in a statement via the Saba news agency that nine civilians were killed and nine others were seriously injured.

“I have ordered the United States military to begin decisive and powerful military action against Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” Trump said in a statement, accusing the group of engaging in piracy, violence, and terrorism against US and allied ships, aircraft, and drones.

Earlier, the Houthis claimed to have targeted three US military supply ships after they left Djibouti. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sariya said the group also attacked two US destroyers in the Gulf of Aden that were escorting the supply ships.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations denied US accusations that Tehran is providing financial, military, and arms support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.