The United States launched airstrikes in Yemen to stop Iran-backed Houthi rebels from attacking ships. The rebels and the U.S. both warned that more fighting could happen. This conflict affects one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, making it a serious global issue with U.S. airstrikes hitting Yemen.
Many People Killed and Injured in the U.S. Airstrikes
The Houthi-run Health Ministry said at least 53 people died in the attacks. This included five women and two children. Almost 100 others were injured. The strikes hit the capital, Sanaa, and other areas, including Saada. Saada is the rebels’ stronghold near the Saudi Arabian border. The death toll from the attacks where U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
U.S. Says It Will Not Allow Houthis to Control Shipping Routes
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. will not let the Houthis decide which ships can pass. He stated that the U.S. will continue striking until the rebels lose their ability to attack ships. President Donald Trump also warned the Houthis. He promised to use “overwhelming lethal force” if they continue their assaults. He also blamed Iran, saying it would be held “fully accountable” for the rebels’ actions. Escalation could follow since U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen.
Houthis Have Been Attacking Ships in the Red Sea for Months
The Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea many times. They claim these attacks are in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The rebels stopped attacking in January after an Israel-Hamas ceasefire. But last week, they announced they would start again. Their decision came after Israel reduced humanitarian aid to Gaza. The attacks threaten global trade, as the Red Sea is a key route for cargo ships, and recent U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen.
U.S. Launches Its Biggest Attack on Houthis Since the War in Gaza Began
The recent airstrikes were one of the largest U.S. attacks against the Houthis. Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz, said multiple Houthi leaders were killed. However, he did not name them or provide proof. Senator Marco Rubio also said the strikes destroyed key Houthi military facilities. The attacks signal that the U.S. is serious about stopping the rebel group, especially because these airstrikes hit Yemen.
Houthi Rebels Respond and Say They Will Strike Back
The Houthis announced they would respond with more attacks. They claimed to have fired missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group. This marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict. If the rebels continue their attacks after U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen, the U.S. military is expected to respond with even more force.
U.S. Navy Intercepts Houthi Missiles and Drones Over the Red Sea
A U.S. official confirmed that the Houthis fired 11 drones and at least one missile. U.S. fighter jets shot down 10 of the drones. A Navy jet intercepted the last drone. The missile landed in the water far from U.S. ships. No American vessels were damaged. This shows that the U.S. military is closely monitoring and countering any Houthi threats since airstrikes are hitting Yemen.
United Nations Calls for Peace and an End to Military Actions
The United Nations urged both sides to stop fighting. The U.N. warned that continued attacks could worsen Yemen’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Yemen is the poorest country in the Arab world. Many people there rely on international aid, which could be disrupted if the war intensifies. U.N. focus has been raised since recent U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen.
Houthis Have Attacked U.S. and Commercial Ships Many Times
Rubio reported that in the past 18 months, the Houthis attacked U.S. Navy ships 174 times. They also targeted commercial ships 145 times. These attacks used guided weapons, making them dangerous and precise. The U.S. Navy has faced its most intense combat since World War II due to these conflicts with Houthis and airstrikes hitting Yemen.
Iran Denies Helping Houthis But U.S. Believes Otherwise
Iran’s military leader denied any involvement in Houthi attacks. Iran’s foreign minister urged the U.S. to stop its airstrikes. However, the U.S. and its allies claim that Iran supplies weapons to the Houthis. The U.S. Navy has seized Iranian-made missile parts and other military equipment bound for Yemen. This suggests that Iran is actively supporting the rebels against whom U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen.
U.S. Military Strikes Without Allies for the First Time
In past conflicts, the U.S. worked with Israel and Britain to strike Houthi targets. However, this time, the U.S. acted alone. It was the first major U.S. attack on the Houthis under Trump’s second term. The decision to go solo shows how determined the U.S. is to stop Houthi aggression without waiting for allied support, with the latest airstrikes hitting Yemen.
U.S. Navy Increases Presence in the Region to Ensure Security
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group is currently in the Red Sea. It includes an aircraft carrier, three Navy destroyers, and a cruiser. The USS Georgia, a cruise missile submarine, is also in the area. The U.S. military is prepared for further action if the Houthis continue their attacks after U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen.
