The United States launched a large-scale military operation yesterday (Saturday) against the Houthis in Yemen after the group resumed their attacks on international vessels in the Red Sea. The strikes, conducted from air and sea, targeted command centers, missile systems, radar installations, and air defense systems in Sana’a and Al Hudaydah. The Houthi-controlled Health Ministry in Yemen reported that 31 people were killed and 101 wounded as a result of the U.S. attack.
According to the Houthi military spokesman, the U.S. conducted about 47 strikes across the provinces of Sana’a, Saada, Dhamar, Hajjah, Marib, Al-Bayda’, and Al-Jawf. In response, the rebels claimed they launched an attack on the USS Harry S. Truman, using 18 missiles and drones.
Six Senior Houthi Officials Killed
The Arabic-language Sky News channel, broadcasting from the UAE, reported this morning that six senior Houthi officials were killed in the American strikes. So far, this report has not been confirmed by other sources. Meanwhile, following renewed threats from the rebels, a Houthi missile landed overnight in the Sharm el-Sheikh region of southern Sinai.
Israel Was Among the Few Countries Briefed in Advance
A senior Israeli official stated that the U.S. informed Israel ahead of the strikes, making it one of the few countries briefed before the operation. The American strikes were carried out using fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman, alongside U.S. Air Force attack aircraft and armed drones launched from bases in the region, according to American sources.
Coordinated Air and Ground Offensive
The operation was conducted simultaneously across multiple locations in an effort to precisely target Houthi military infrastructure and disrupt their ability to continue threatening maritime routes in the Red Sea.
CENTCOM Forces Launch Large Scale Operation Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen
On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and… pic.twitter.com/u5yx8WneoG
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025
American officials described the operation as “the opening salvo of a broader campaign,” aimed at weakening the Houthis’ extensive weapons arsenal and sending a strong message to Iran. Reports indicate that the operation could last several days and may escalate depending on the Houthis’ response on the ground.
President Trump: “If You Don’t Stop – Hell Will Fall Upon You”
President Donald Trump weighed in on the decision through a post on Truth Social, defending the military action against the Houthis while sharply criticizing the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden. “Joe Biden’s response was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going,” he declared.
Trump further stated that the U.S. would not tolerate Houthi attacks on American vessels. “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we achieve our goal. The Houthis have choked shipping in one of the world’s most vital waterways, halted large segments of global trade, and are attacking the core principle of freedom of navigation, which is essential to international commerce,” he wrote.
