Second U.S. Airstrike in Yemen
| Military Operations | International Relations | Conflict Studies |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: | Updated:
3 min read
The second U.S. airstrike in Yemen was part of a broader campaign aimed at combating the perceived threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. This particular airstrike occurred in the provinces of Sana'a and Abyan, where it was intended to target Al-Qaeda operatives. However, the operation resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating that over 60 civilians were killed, including 28 children. The high number of civilian deaths raised serious concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of the U.S. military strategy in the region. The airstrike on December 17 was followed by another on December 24, which continued the trend of using drone strikes as a primary tool in counterterrorism efforts in Yemen. These actions were part of a larger strategy to address the growing influence of extremist groups in the area, but they also sparked widespread criticism and highlighted the challenges of conducting military operations in densely populated regions. The impact of these airstrikes extended beyond immediate casualties, contributing to a cycle of violence and instability in Yemen, which has faced ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
Primary Reference: "Between a Drone and Al-Qaeda" The Civilian Cost of US Targeted Killings in Yemen

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