Yemen Under Siege: US Airstrikes, Aid Cuts, and Terror

Escalating US Airstrikes on Yemen

• 🎯 The UN warns of deadly risks to civilians following a US strike on a migrant detention center that killed at least 68 people, mostly asylum seekers from African nations.
• 📈 The US has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes on Yemen since March 15th, with bombings occurring on an "absolutely nightly basis."
• 💥 The actual death toll is estimated to be twice the officially recorded number, with hundreds killed and massive amounts of infrastructure destroyed.
• 😨 Residents live in a state of daily "terror and fright" from the constant threat of being attacked or killed.

Impact of US Policy Changes

• 📉 The complete cut of US aid has severely impacted Yemen, which was previously the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
• 💔 The US used to finance 62% of the World Food Program's funding for Yemen; now it finances 0%, leaving 17 million Yemenis dependent on food aid.
• 🚫 The designation of the Houthi movement as a "foreign terrorist organization" has major long-term impacts, severely hindering commercial activities, banking, and humanitarian operations.

Houthi Actions and US Justification

• 🚢 The US claims its attacks are in response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
• 🕊️ However, the Houthis reportedly stopped attacking ships after the Gaza ceasefire began in January and have only targeted US military vessels in recent weeks.
• 💪 Houthi actions in the Red Sea and missile/drone launches towards Israel are stated to be in support of the Palestinian movement.

Long-Term Expert Perspective

• 🌍 Helen Lackner, an author and researcher with over half a century of involvement in Yemen, provides critical insights into the ongoing crisis.
• ⏳ Her extensive experience living in Yemen for over 15 years offers a deep understanding of the country's complex situation.