U.S. aircraft launched intensive airstrikes early Saturday targeting sites belonging to the Houthi group in Saada province, northern Yemen, marking a new escalation.

The Houthis confirmed that the strikes hit the Saqin district, reporting 53 casualties, including prominent figures.

In his first comment, the Houthi military spokesman emphasized that U.S. aggression would not deter Yemen from supporting the Palestinian people, mentioning new military operations against Israeli occupation.