US Launches Strikes on Yemen’s Iran-Backed Houthis

The United States has carried out extensive airstrikes across Yemen, targeting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This operation comes in response to months of persistent Houthi attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global commerce and endangered vessels. The Houthis have announced that they would begin attacking Israeli ships again in the Red Sea following the end of phase 1 of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The US Central Command confirmed the precision strikes, emphasizing their objective to defend American interests, safeguard freedom of navigation, and deter ongoing aggression. Reports from the Houthi-controlled health ministry claim over 30 fatalities, including civilians, with additional injuries sustained in the capital Sanaa and northern Saada province.

The Houthis, who have seized control over significant parts of Yemen over the past decade, condemned the strikes, labeling them a “war crime.” They have vowed to retaliate, asserting readiness to escalate in response. The group, aligned with Iran, frames its actions as support for Gaza amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, using this as justification for their attacks on commercial and military vessels since late 2023.

US officials have stated that the Houthis have launched over 170 attacks on American naval ships and nearly 150 attacks on international commercial vessels in recent months. This offensive has led to heightened security measures and costly defensive operations by Western forces in the region.

The American administration under President Trump has warned Iran against further involvement, holding it accountable for supporting the Houthis and threatening severe consequences if Iranian provocations continue.

The airstrikes mark the most significant US military campaign in the Middle East in recent years and may continue for weeks.