The U.S. forces launched intense attacks on Saturday evening against Houthi-affiliated targets and sites, which are allied with Iran and designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. The strikes, which are ongoing, have targeted provinces including Sanaa, Saada, Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Marib, and Hajjah.

Houthi sources reported that 11 people were killed and 15 others, including women and children, were injured in strikes on the "Qahza" and "Sahar" areas in Saada province. Additionally, the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health announced 13 deaths and 9 injuries in a preliminary toll from strikes on Sanaa.

A correspondent reported that one of the U.S. airstrikes hit the power station in the city of Dhahyan and its surrounding areas in Saada province, causing a power outage, according to Houthi media.

An unnamed U.S. official told Reuters that the U.S. military strikes on the Houthis could continue for days or even weeks.

President Donald Trump announced the operation earlier on Saturday, warning that Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea must stop or "you will witness hell like you’ve never seen before.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Your time is up, and your attacks must stop starting today. If you don’t, you will witness hell like you’ve never seen before.

Trump also warned Iran, the Houthis' main backer, against continuing its support for the group, saying, "If Iran threatens the United States, America will hold you fully accountable, and we will not be kind about it!

The Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on ships since November 2023, claiming it was in solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza. During this period, the group sank two ships, seized another, and killed at least four sailors in attacks that disrupted global shipping, forcing companies to reroute their journeys via the longer and more expensive route around South Africa.

Last week, the Houthis threatened to resume their maritime attacks if Israel did not lift its blockade on aid deliveries to Gaza within four days.

In January, Trump re-designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization to impose stricter economic sanctions in response to its attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and U.S. warships defending the critical maritime region.