The United States has launched a large-scale offensive against the Houthis in Yemen following renewed attacks by the group on international shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes, conducted from both air and sea, targeted command centers, missile systems, radar installations, and air defense systems in the cities of Sana’a and Hodeidah. Yemen’s Houthi-controlled health ministry reported that 31 people were killed and 101 wounded in the American attack. Sky News Arabia broadcasting from the UAE, reported that six senior Houthi officials were killed as a result but this report has yet to be confirmed by other sources.
Coordinated Strikes Using Fighter Jets and Drones
According to U.S. sources, the attacks were carried out using fighter jets launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, along with Air Force strike aircraft and armed drones deployed from regional U.S. bases. The operation was conducted across multiple fronts to precisely target the Houthis’ military infrastructure and disrupt their ability to threaten shipping lanes 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 phase of a broader offensive” aimed at crippling the Houthis’ extensive arsenal and sending a strong message to Iran. Reports suggest the campaign could continue for several days and may escalate further depending on the Houthis’ response; the Trump administration is reportedly considering expanding the operation to include limited ground assaults aimed at completely crippling the Houthis’ ability to disrupt maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
Trump: “Hell Will Rain Down Upon You”
President Donald Trump issued a forceful statement justifying the military action against the Houthis while sharply criticizing the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
“Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” Trump posted on social media. “They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones… These attacks have cost us billions of dollars and put innocent lives at risk.”
Trump also delivered a direct warning to the Houthis, warning in his signature capitalized style: “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
He then turned to Iran with a sharp message: “Your support for the Houthi terrorists must end immediately… America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”
Military Option on the Table: “A Strong Message to Iran”
Senior U.S. officials told The New York Times that the Yemen offensive is not only aimed at weakening the Houthis’ military capabilities but also serves as a direct warning to Iran. According to these officials, President Trump still prefers a diplomatic resolution to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but the military option remains on the table.
The White House emphasized that if Iran attempts to obstruct or derail diplomatic efforts, the U.S. may take direct action against it, similar to the strikes against the Houthis.
Israel Was Among the Few Countries Briefed Before the Operation
According to a senior Israeli official, the U.S. informed Israel about the operation before it was carried out, making it one of the few countries to receive advance notice.
Houthi Response: “We Will Continue Supporting Gaza”
Senior Houthi official Nasr al-Din Amer responded to the U.S. offensive on social media, declaring that his organization will not cease its support for Gaza, despite American attacks. “Sana’a will remain Gaza’s shield and supporter, and we will never abandon it, no matter the challenges,” Amer wrote.
Menachem Marton contributed to this article
