US strikes kill civilians in Yemen as Houthis vow Red Sea retaliation

At least two people were injured and more than a dozen civilians killed in U.S. airstrikes across Yemen on Monday, as the United States stepped up attacks in response to Houthi threats to resume Red Sea operations in retaliation for Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV said nine airstrikes targeted two cities in Saada province late on Monday, following strikes on Sunday that hit a residential building in the Maeen district of central Sanaa, killing and injuring more than 14 civilians.

In Sanaa, residents described scenes of devastation, with school supplies, water tanks and personal belongings strewn across the rubble.

"We were sitting safely in our homes. As we were returning from the mosque, we suddenly heard the bombing right above us, here in front of the Civil Status Authority. What did they gain from striking a civilian home? There was no benefit. It’s not a government or military building. What was the purpose?" said witness Yahya al-Jamali.

"We tell America that we stand firm in supporting Gaza. Today, our blood has mixed with the blood of Gaza's people. We will never abandon our principles, no matter the sacrifices," said Sanaa resident Mohammed al-Asri.

The latest wave of strikes came less than 24 hours after similar operations in Marib, Hodeidah and Saada -- areas controlled by Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis.

The US said its airstrikes aim to disrupt the group's military capabilities at sea, where Houthi forces have launched repeated drone and missile attacks on commercial shipping. The ongoing campaign is the first of its kind since President Donald Trump returned to office.

"These ongoing attacks on civilian areas in Yemen will not achieve the US goal of stopping military operations. Yemen will certainly escalate its response. It has become clear that, despite dozens of airstrikes on Yemen, the attacks have not stopped them. Instead, Yemen has expanded its operations to also target US ships," said Hussain al-Bukhaiti, a Yemeni writer and politician.

As the airstrikes continue, the International Committee of the Red Cross has urged all parties to take every precaution to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life and damage to civilian property.

The deepening humanitarian toll has triggered concern from international observers, with expectations of further escalation in the coming days as tensions rise in the region.

US strikes kill civilians in Yemen as Houthis vow Red Sea retaliation

US strikes kill civilians in Yemen as Houthis vow Red Sea retaliation

US strikes kill civilians in Yemen as Houthis vow Red Sea retaliation

US strikes kill civilians in Yemen as Houthis vow Red Sea retaliation

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation