On April 24, 2025, U.S. Central Command refuted claims linking an explosion in Yemen's capital, Sana, to an American strike, asserting instead that a Houthi missile was responsible for the deadly blast.
Blast in Yemen: U.S. Denies Responsibility as Casualties Rise
Blast in Yemen: U.S. Denies Responsibility as Casualties Rise
Explosion near UNESCO site in Sana attributed to Houthi missile, not U.S. airstrike
April 24, 2025, is marked by a tragic event in Yemen as a powerful explosion in a residential area near a UNESCO world heritage site, Sana's Old City, resulted in the death of 12 individuals and injuries to 30 others. Initially, the Houthi-led government blamed the casualties on an American airstrike. However, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Dave Eastburn categorically denied these allegations, emphasizing that while military operations occurred in the vicinity, the nearest U.S. strike was more than three miles away.
Eastburn stated that the Pentagon's conclusion regarding the explosion being caused by a "Houthi Air Defense missile" was supported by local reports, including videos showing missile fragments inscribed with Arabic script. Critics, however, including Houthi Politburo member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, accused the U.S. of attempting to defame the Houthi group, arguing instead that prior U.S. strikes have intentionally targeted civilian areas causing numerous deaths.
This incident underscores the complexities of the conflict in Yemen and ongoing tensions in the region amid international scrutiny and humanitarian concerns. As investigations and claims continue to unfold, the local population remains deeply affected by the violence in their neighborhoods and the broader implications of foreign military involvement.
Eastburn stated that the Pentagon's conclusion regarding the explosion being caused by a "Houthi Air Defense missile" was supported by local reports, including videos showing missile fragments inscribed with Arabic script. Critics, however, including Houthi Politburo member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, accused the U.S. of attempting to defame the Houthi group, arguing instead that prior U.S. strikes have intentionally targeted civilian areas causing numerous deaths.
This incident underscores the complexities of the conflict in Yemen and ongoing tensions in the region amid international scrutiny and humanitarian concerns. As investigations and claims continue to unfold, the local population remains deeply affected by the violence in their neighborhoods and the broader implications of foreign military involvement.
