US Military Escalation Against Houthis Targets Leaders and Weapon Stockpiles
The US military actions reflect a fundamental shift in its strategy in Yemen, now targeting Houthi leaders and vital facilities rather than just launch sites
March 30, 2025, 8:15 pm

US Military Escalation Against Houthis Targets Leaders and Weapon Stockpiles

عناصر من ميليشيا الحوثي

Houthi media sources reported on Sunday that US air forces carried out 18 airstrikes on various areas in Yemen, targeting sites of strategic importance to the group.

According to the reports, US aircraft launched three strikes on the Saqin area east of Saada city, where a Houthi leadership meeting was taking place, resulting in casualties. This targeting of military meetings marks a significant development in the nature of US strikes, now seemingly focused on directly targeting Houthi decision-making centers.

Additionally, sources from "Al Arabiya" and "Al Hadath" stated that four US airstrikes targeted Houthi sites in Sanhan, southeast of Sana’a, focusing on the group's weapons storage facilities. These strikes show that Washington is now prioritizing operations against Houthi military infrastructure, not just launch platforms.

In a related development, Houthi media reported that US aircraft carried out two strikes on Bani Maaz in Sahar, west of Saada, followed by three additional strikes targeting Jabal Nabi Shuayb in Bani Matar, west of Sana'a. The continued targeting of various sites indicates an intensification of US pressure on the group, potentially leading to a military response from the Houthis.

The United States has ramped up its air operations against Houthi strongholds since March 15, based on directives from President Donald Trump. The US Central Command confirmed that the goal is to protect American interests and ensure the safety of maritime navigation. Trump justified this move as a response to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, a surge that has raised widespread international concern.

According to an investigation by the Associated Press, the US strategy toward the Houthis has undergone a significant transformation during Trump's presidency, with operations becoming more precise and comprehensive, now targeting key leaders and weapon production centers, in stark contrast to the previous president Joe Biden’s policy, which focused solely on launch sites.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that the latest US strikes resulted in the assassination of prominent Houthi figures, including the group's chief missile expert, as well as attacks on vital facilities such as communications centers, weapons factories, and marine drones. This escalation signals a clear US intent to severely weaken the Houthis' combat capabilities.

Satellite images have shown that the US military deployed four B-2 strategic stealth bombers at Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean, alongside sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the Middle East to reinforce military operations against the Houthis. These moves reflect a US readiness for a prolonged engagement, potentially altering the balance of the conflict in Yemen.

These actions appear to be part of a broader strategy aimed at exerting direct military pressure on the Houthis, a strategy confirmed by Trump’s statement: "They will pay a heavy price for their attacks."

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.