The United States has conducted a month-long bombing campaign targeting the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least 500 Houthi fighters and senior leaders. The campaign, which began on March 15, has focused on dismantling the terror infrastructure in Sirwah, Yemen. Officials and sources familiar with intelligence assessments have confirmed the toll, indicating that the U.S. military operations against the Houthis may continue.

The White House has confirmed that no classified information was shared in Signal messaging app chats. White House Press Secretary Leavitt reiterated that the communications on Signal did not involve any sensitive or classified material. This statement was issued amid concerns regarding the security and confidentiality of information exchanged through the app. The White House's clarification was reported in multiple languages, emphasizing that the Signal chats related to discussions about the Yemen conflict did not contain classified data.

Yemen's Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for launching drone and missile attacks on multiple targets, including vital Israeli positions in Ashkelon and Eilat, as well as two U.S. aircraft carriers, the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. The operations involved the use of 8 drones and 5 missiles, specifically Yaffa and Sammad-1 drones against Israeli targets, and a combination of cruise missiles and drones against the American naval vessels.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that these attacks were in retaliation for ongoing American aggression in Yemen, which has resulted in the deaths of 217 civilians and injuries to 436 others, and in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's military actions that have caused over 168,000 casualties and left 11,000 missing.

The Houthi forces have vowed to escalate their operations against Israeli targets in the occupied territories and continue their attacks on hostile forces in the Red and Arabian Seas, undeterred by U.S. airstrikes. This comes after recent U.S. bombings in Yemen, including an attack on a market in Sanaa that killed 12 and injured 30.

Yemen's Houthi leadership, including Chairman Mahdi al-Mashat of the Supreme Political Council, has claimed that the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has been rendered 'out of service' or 'decommissioned' due to Houthi attacks. Al-Mashat stated that this assessment is based on 'confirmed information' and 'verified intelligence,' and asserted that the carrier lost control during the early days of the conflict, compelling the U.S. to deploy backup arms and systems.

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The United States has escalated its military operations in Yemen, with a series of airstrikes causing significant casualties. On April 20, 2025, US warplanes targeted multiple locations in Sana'a, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 30 injuries in the Farwah neighborhood and market. Additional strikes were reported in the provinces of Marib, Hajjah, and Al-Hudaydah, contributing to a rising death toll across the country, with 42 killed in Farwa, 80 in Hodeidah, and 15 in the north of Sana'a. The Houthi movement, which controls much of Yemen, has accused the US of planning a ground operation, warning that such a move could destabilize the situation further. The airstrikes have been part of a broader campaign initiated by the US in March, aimed at countering Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Other targets included Kamaran island and the Al Jawba district in Marib.

In a separate conflict, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least two people and injuring two others. The strikes targeted the towns of Houla and Arnoun, with one fatality reported in a drone strike on a vehicle. Hussein Ali Nasr, described by Israel as the deputy head of Hezbollah's Unit 4400, was killed in the attack. The Lebanese army reported thwarting an attempt to launch rockets from southern Lebanon towards Israel, and also noted that seven soldiers were injured in an attack on a vehicle. Hezbollah infrastructure and rocket launchers were also targeted in these strikes.

The United States government has imposed sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthi movement, citing its support for the Houthis. In response, the Houthi leadership announced sanctions against 15 U.S. weapons manufacturing companies and American oil firms, accusing them of supplying weapons to Israel. The Houthis' Supreme Political Council described their retaliatory measures as a response to U.S. aggression, emphasizing their resolve not to surrender. The targeted U.S. companies include major defense contractors such as Raytheon. This exchange of sanctions reflects escalating tensions amid ongoing military pressure faced by the Houthis.

The United States has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions across multiple locations in Yemen, including Kamaran Island in Hodeidah, Sana'a, Marib, Amran, Saada, and other areas. Reports indicate that over 40 to 50 air raids took place in these regions, focusing on military infrastructure such as missile launch platforms, fortifications, and weapons storage facilities. The strikes on Kamaran Island included at least eight attacks aimed at Houthi missile sites and fortifications. In Sana'a, the airstrikes resulted in casualties, with Houthi-affiliated media reporting between two to three deaths and several injuries. Additional strikes targeted districts such as Al-Juba and Sirwah in Marib, as well as Harf Sufyan in Amran and areas in Saada province. The US air campaign also struck weapons depots in Sarwah district in Marib and the Ghuwairq area west of Al-Tahita in Hodeidah. These operations are part of ongoing US military efforts against the Houthi group in Yemen.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern over recent United States airstrikes on and around the port of Ra’s Isa in Yemen. The strikes, which occurred on April 17 and 18, targeted the oil port and its surrounding area in Al Hudaydah province. Reports indicate that these airstrikes resulted in at least 74 fatalities. Guterres has called for maximum restraint and the protection of civilians amid the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

On April 19, 2025, U.S. military aircraft conducted airstrikes targeting two cemeteries in Sana'a, Yemen: Majel Al-Damma in the Al-Safiyah district and Al-Najimat in the Al-Sabeen district. The strikes damaged more than 200 graves and injured cemetery guards. The operation was described as a precision strike on a secret meeting, though the rationale for targeting cemeteries has been questioned by Yemenis. The use of B-2 bombers in Yemen was noted, with some observers criticizing the action and questioning the military value of these strikes. The attacks caused damage to the Majel Al-Damma Cemetery and drew widespread attention and commentary on social media.

The Yemeni Houthi movement, also known as Ansarullah, has issued multiple warnings signaling readiness to escalate tensions with the United States following a deadly airstrike on Ras Isa port. The group has declared its preparedness to move to a higher level of confrontation, including potential ground operations coordinated with Yemeni forces. Recent reports indicate that Houthi rebels are preparing for a possible land invasion, and new footage released by the group showcases their special forces claiming readiness to engage in combat against the United States. These developments suggest an intensification of hostilities between the Houthis and Washington.

The United States is reportedly negotiating with Yemeni forces opposed to the Houthi movement to conduct a ground operation aimed at recapturing the strategic port city of Hodeidah from Houthi control. This initiative seeks to push the Houthis away from the Red Sea coast. Yemeni opposition forces, in coordination with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are preparing for a ground offensive involving approximately 80,000 soldiers tasked with overtaking Houthi-held sites. In response, the Houthi rebels are fortifying their defenses by increasing mine-laying activities in Hodeidah and other densely populated areas to counter the anticipated ground assault.

On April 18, 2025, tens of thousands of Yemenis participated in mass demonstrations across multiple cities, including the capital Sana'a and the northern city of Sa'dah, to express solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protests, branded as the “Million-Man March,” condemned what demonstrators described as a US-funded Israeli military campaign targeting civilians in Gaza. The rallies also voiced opposition to US airstrikes in Yemen. Supporters of the Huthi movement were notably present in Sana'a, where thousands gathered in Al-Sabeen Square. The protests occurred simultaneously in at least 14 Yemeni cities, highlighting widespread public support for Palestine and condemnation of the escalation of violence in Gaza and Yemen.

On April 17 and 18, 2025, multiple military aircraft operations were reported involving the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) in strategic regions including the Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Yemen area. The RAF deployed Typhoon fighter jets and tankers for missions over the Baltic Sea and for air refueling tasks potentially related to operations against Daesh and ISIS. The RAF also deployed RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft to Al Udeid Air Base in the Persian Gulf, and a Cobra Ball RC-135 was airborne from RAF Mildenhall heading north. The USAF operated WC-135 Constant Phoenix and Cobra Ball RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft from RAF Mildenhall. Additionally, an E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) conducted missions over the Red Sea and landed on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carrier. The USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson carriers were acknowledged for their roles in maintaining peace through strength. There were indications of RAF Voyager tanker aircraft supporting operations in the Red Sea and Yemen area, possibly linked to regional tensions involving Houthi forces. These activities highlight ongoing multinational military surveillance and operational readiness in key geopolitical hotspots.

The Trump administration has intensified its decision to halt emergency food aid to millions of starving children in countries including Bangladesh, Somalia, and Yemen. Reports indicate that funding cuts have led to a significant reduction in production at facilities like Edesia Nutrition, which produces peanut paste used to combat malnutrition globally. Approximately 17 million people in Yemen face food insecurity, and a shipment of wheat is en route to the country amid these challenges. Lawmakers and aid workers have expressed concern that without urgent restoration of funding, many children could face death within months due to starvation.

Reports initially indicated that U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, operating from Diego Garcia Air Force Base, had deployed 30,000-pound GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs against underground Houthi targets in northwestern Yemen. These reports suggested the first combat use of the GBU-57 MOP in this theater. However, U.S. officials have since clarified that while B-2 bombers have been conducting strikes against Houthi positions, the GBU-57 MOP has not been used. It remains possible that the bombers employed other advanced bunker-busting munitions, but the prized 30,000-pound MOP bombs were not part of the operations. The B-2s were deployed to Diego Garcia last month, and the clarification from officials aims to correct earlier reports about the specific munitions used in the Yemen campaign.

The Houthi group in Yemen reported that the United States conducted 15 airstrikes on Kamaran Island in the western province of Al Hudaydah. Al-Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, provided no specific details on casualties or damage from these strikes.

In a separate incident, the Houthis claimed that US airstrikes around the rebel-held capital, Sana'a, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and wounded 29 others, including five children. The strikes targeted a ceramics factory in the Bani Matar region's al-Sawari industrial zone, according to the Houthi Health Ministry.

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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident involving a vessel approximately 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) east of Aden, Yemen, marking the first such report in the area since January. According to the UKMTO, armed individuals on several small boats pursued the ship for about two hours, during which shots were fired. The vessel altered its course and the small boats eventually left the area. This incident highlights ongoing security risks for commercial shipping in the Red Sea amid regional geopolitical tensions. Additionally, there have been multiple drone reports near vessels in the Red Sea in recent days, further underscoring the maritime security challenges in the region.

Yemeni militias are preparing a ground offensive against the Houthis, as reported by Yemeni and U.S. officials. This military action is expected to capitalize on a recent U.S. bombing campaign that has reportedly weakened the capabilities of the Houthi militant group. The offensive reflects ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic maneuvers by pro-government forces amidst external military support.

On April 13, 2025, the U.S. Navy conducted a series of airstrikes targeting the al-Sawari Ceramic Factory in the Bani Matar District of Sana’a Governorate, Yemen. Initial reports indicated that three airstrikes hit the factory, resulting in casualties. The Yemeni Ministry of Health reported that the airstrikes have led to at least six fatalities and 20 injuries. This incident is part of a broader escalation in U.S. military actions in Yemen, with reports indicating that the total death toll from U.S. airstrikes since mid-March has risen to 123, including civilians. The strikes are reportedly aimed at Houthi positions across various regions, including Marib and Al-Jawf, and have intensified in recent weeks.

Yemen has launched a series of ballistic missiles toward Israel amid ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that since the resumption of fighting approximately one month ago, over 19 missiles have been fired from Yemen, with Israeli sources confirming that around 50% of these launches have been unsuccessful due to technical issues. The Israeli media has reported that a total of 20 missiles were aimed at the country since the conflict escalated, highlighting the ongoing military tensions in the region.

The United States has conducted a month-long bombing campaign targeting the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least 500 Houthi fighters and senior leaders. The campaign, which began on March 15, has focused on dismantling the terror infrastructure in Sirwah, Yemen. Officials and sources familiar with intelligence assessments have confirmed the toll, indicating that the U.S. military operations against the Houthis may continue.

The White House has confirmed that no classified information was shared in Signal messaging app chats. White House Press Secretary Leavitt reiterated that the communications on Signal did not involve any sensitive or classified material. This statement was issued amid concerns regarding the security and confidentiality of information exchanged through the app. The White House's clarification was reported in multiple languages, emphasizing that the Signal chats related to discussions about the Yemen conflict did not contain classified data.

Yemen's Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for launching drone and missile attacks on multiple targets, including vital Israeli positions in Ashkelon and Eilat, as well as two U.S. aircraft carriers, the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. The operations involved the use of 8 drones and 5 missiles, specifically Yaffa and Sammad-1 drones against Israeli targets, and a combination of cruise missiles and drones against the American naval vessels.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that these attacks were in retaliation for ongoing American aggression in Yemen, which has resulted in the deaths of 217 civilians and injuries to 436 others, and in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's military actions that have caused over 168,000 casualties and left 11,000 missing.

The Houthi forces have vowed to escalate their operations against Israeli targets in the occupied territories and continue their attacks on hostile forces in the Red and Arabian Seas, undeterred by U.S. airstrikes. This comes after recent U.S. bombings in Yemen, including an attack on a market in Sanaa that killed 12 and injured 30.

Yemen's Houthi leadership, including Chairman Mahdi al-Mashat of the Supreme Political Council, has claimed that the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has been rendered 'out of service' or 'decommissioned' due to Houthi attacks. Al-Mashat stated that this assessment is based on 'confirmed information' and 'verified intelligence,' and asserted that the carrier lost control during the early days of the conflict, compelling the U.S. to deploy backup arms and systems.

Read more

The United States has escalated its military operations in Yemen, with a series of airstrikes causing significant casualties. On April 20, 2025, US warplanes targeted multiple locations in Sana'a, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 30 injuries in the Farwah neighborhood and market. Additional strikes were reported in the provinces of Marib, Hajjah, and Al-Hudaydah, contributing to a rising death toll across the country, with 42 killed in Farwa, 80 in Hodeidah, and 15 in the north of Sana'a. The Houthi movement, which controls much of Yemen, has accused the US of planning a ground operation, warning that such a move could destabilize the situation further. The airstrikes have been part of a broader campaign initiated by the US in March, aimed at countering Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Other targets included Kamaran island and the Al Jawba district in Marib.

In a separate conflict, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least two people and injuring two others. The strikes targeted the towns of Houla and Arnoun, with one fatality reported in a drone strike on a vehicle. Hussein Ali Nasr, described by Israel as the deputy head of Hezbollah's Unit 4400, was killed in the attack. The Lebanese army reported thwarting an attempt to launch rockets from southern Lebanon towards Israel, and also noted that seven soldiers were injured in an attack on a vehicle. Hezbollah infrastructure and rocket launchers were also targeted in these strikes.

The United States government has imposed sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthi movement, citing its support for the Houthis. In response, the Houthi leadership announced sanctions against 15 U.S. weapons manufacturing companies and American oil firms, accusing them of supplying weapons to Israel. The Houthis' Supreme Political Council described their retaliatory measures as a response to U.S. aggression, emphasizing their resolve not to surrender. The targeted U.S. companies include major defense contractors such as Raytheon. This exchange of sanctions reflects escalating tensions amid ongoing military pressure faced by the Houthis.

The United States has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions across multiple locations in Yemen, including Kamaran Island in Hodeidah, Sana'a, Marib, Amran, Saada, and other areas. Reports indicate that over 40 to 50 air raids took place in these regions, focusing on military infrastructure such as missile launch platforms, fortifications, and weapons storage facilities. The strikes on Kamaran Island included at least eight attacks aimed at Houthi missile sites and fortifications. In Sana'a, the airstrikes resulted in casualties, with Houthi-affiliated media reporting between two to three deaths and several injuries. Additional strikes targeted districts such as Al-Juba and Sirwah in Marib, as well as Harf Sufyan in Amran and areas in Saada province. The US air campaign also struck weapons depots in Sarwah district in Marib and the Ghuwairq area west of Al-Tahita in Hodeidah. These operations are part of ongoing US military efforts against the Houthi group in Yemen.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern over recent United States airstrikes on and around the port of Ra’s Isa in Yemen. The strikes, which occurred on April 17 and 18, targeted the oil port and its surrounding area in Al Hudaydah province. Reports indicate that these airstrikes resulted in at least 74 fatalities. Guterres has called for maximum restraint and the protection of civilians amid the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

On April 19, 2025, U.S. military aircraft conducted airstrikes targeting two cemeteries in Sana'a, Yemen: Majel Al-Damma in the Al-Safiyah district and Al-Najimat in the Al-Sabeen district. The strikes damaged more than 200 graves and injured cemetery guards. The operation was described as a precision strike on a secret meeting, though the rationale for targeting cemeteries has been questioned by Yemenis. The use of B-2 bombers in Yemen was noted, with some observers criticizing the action and questioning the military value of these strikes. The attacks caused damage to the Majel Al-Damma Cemetery and drew widespread attention and commentary on social media.

The Yemeni Houthi movement, also known as Ansarullah, has issued multiple warnings signaling readiness to escalate tensions with the United States following a deadly airstrike on Ras Isa port. The group has declared its preparedness to move to a higher level of confrontation, including potential ground operations coordinated with Yemeni forces. Recent reports indicate that Houthi rebels are preparing for a possible land invasion, and new footage released by the group showcases their special forces claiming readiness to engage in combat against the United States. These developments suggest an intensification of hostilities between the Houthis and Washington.

The United States is reportedly negotiating with Yemeni forces opposed to the Houthi movement to conduct a ground operation aimed at recapturing the strategic port city of Hodeidah from Houthi control. This initiative seeks to push the Houthis away from the Red Sea coast. Yemeni opposition forces, in coordination with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are preparing for a ground offensive involving approximately 80,000 soldiers tasked with overtaking Houthi-held sites. In response, the Houthi rebels are fortifying their defenses by increasing mine-laying activities in Hodeidah and other densely populated areas to counter the anticipated ground assault.

On April 18, 2025, tens of thousands of Yemenis participated in mass demonstrations across multiple cities, including the capital Sana'a and the northern city of Sa'dah, to express solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protests, branded as the “Million-Man March,” condemned what demonstrators described as a US-funded Israeli military campaign targeting civilians in Gaza. The rallies also voiced opposition to US airstrikes in Yemen. Supporters of the Huthi movement were notably present in Sana'a, where thousands gathered in Al-Sabeen Square. The protests occurred simultaneously in at least 14 Yemeni cities, highlighting widespread public support for Palestine and condemnation of the escalation of violence in Gaza and Yemen.

On April 17 and 18, 2025, multiple military aircraft operations were reported involving the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) in strategic regions including the Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Yemen area. The RAF deployed Typhoon fighter jets and tankers for missions over the Baltic Sea and for air refueling tasks potentially related to operations against Daesh and ISIS. The RAF also deployed RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft to Al Udeid Air Base in the Persian Gulf, and a Cobra Ball RC-135 was airborne from RAF Mildenhall heading north. The USAF operated WC-135 Constant Phoenix and Cobra Ball RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft from RAF Mildenhall. Additionally, an E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) conducted missions over the Red Sea and landed on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carrier. The USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson carriers were acknowledged for their roles in maintaining peace through strength. There were indications of RAF Voyager tanker aircraft supporting operations in the Red Sea and Yemen area, possibly linked to regional tensions involving Houthi forces. These activities highlight ongoing multinational military surveillance and operational readiness in key geopolitical hotspots.

The Trump administration has intensified its decision to halt emergency food aid to millions of starving children in countries including Bangladesh, Somalia, and Yemen. Reports indicate that funding cuts have led to a significant reduction in production at facilities like Edesia Nutrition, which produces peanut paste used to combat malnutrition globally. Approximately 17 million people in Yemen face food insecurity, and a shipment of wheat is en route to the country amid these challenges. Lawmakers and aid workers have expressed concern that without urgent restoration of funding, many children could face death within months due to starvation.

Reports initially indicated that U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, operating from Diego Garcia Air Force Base, had deployed 30,000-pound GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs against underground Houthi targets in northwestern Yemen. These reports suggested the first combat use of the GBU-57 MOP in this theater. However, U.S. officials have since clarified that while B-2 bombers have been conducting strikes against Houthi positions, the GBU-57 MOP has not been used. It remains possible that the bombers employed other advanced bunker-busting munitions, but the prized 30,000-pound MOP bombs were not part of the operations. The B-2s were deployed to Diego Garcia last month, and the clarification from officials aims to correct earlier reports about the specific munitions used in the Yemen campaign.

The Houthi group in Yemen reported that the United States conducted 15 airstrikes on Kamaran Island in the western province of Al Hudaydah. Al-Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, provided no specific details on casualties or damage from these strikes.

In a separate incident, the Houthis claimed that US airstrikes around the rebel-held capital, Sana'a, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and wounded 29 others, including five children. The strikes targeted a ceramics factory in the Bani Matar region's al-Sawari industrial zone, according to the Houthi Health Ministry.

Read more

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident involving a vessel approximately 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) east of Aden, Yemen, marking the first such report in the area since January. According to the UKMTO, armed individuals on several small boats pursued the ship for about two hours, during which shots were fired. The vessel altered its course and the small boats eventually left the area. This incident highlights ongoing security risks for commercial shipping in the Red Sea amid regional geopolitical tensions. Additionally, there have been multiple drone reports near vessels in the Red Sea in recent days, further underscoring the maritime security challenges in the region.

Yemeni militias are preparing a ground offensive against the Houthis, as reported by Yemeni and U.S. officials. This military action is expected to capitalize on a recent U.S. bombing campaign that has reportedly weakened the capabilities of the Houthi militant group. The offensive reflects ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic maneuvers by pro-government forces amidst external military support.

On April 13, 2025, the U.S. Navy conducted a series of airstrikes targeting the al-Sawari Ceramic Factory in the Bani Matar District of Sana’a Governorate, Yemen. Initial reports indicated that three airstrikes hit the factory, resulting in casualties. The Yemeni Ministry of Health reported that the airstrikes have led to at least six fatalities and 20 injuries. This incident is part of a broader escalation in U.S. military actions in Yemen, with reports indicating that the total death toll from U.S. airstrikes since mid-March has risen to 123, including civilians. The strikes are reportedly aimed at Houthi positions across various regions, including Marib and Al-Jawf, and have intensified in recent weeks.

Yemen has launched a series of ballistic missiles toward Israel amid ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that since the resumption of fighting approximately one month ago, over 19 missiles have been fired from Yemen, with Israeli sources confirming that around 50% of these launches have been unsuccessful due to technical issues. The Israeli media has reported that a total of 20 missiles were aimed at the country since the conflict escalated, highlighting the ongoing military tensions in the region.