The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to continued military action against Yemen’s Houthi rebels until they cease attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea. This comes after a series of U.S. airstrikes targeted Houthi military sites, resulting in at least 53 reported deaths, including civilians, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the strikes aim to restore security in one of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes, which the Houthis have repeatedly targeted since late 2023. The Iran-backed group initially launched attacks on Israeli-linked vessels as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza but has since expanded its operations to include U.S. and allied warships.
“If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation,” Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned in response to the latest U.S. strikes. The group has since claimed a new assault on the USS Harry S. Truman, though U.S. officials confirmed that none of their drones or missiles reached the aircraft carrier.
Amid growing tensions, Iran has denied direct involvement but has warned of “decisive and destructive” retaliation if provoked. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly blamed Tehran, stating that the Houthis would not have the capability for such attacks without Iranian support.
The United Nations has called for restraint, warning that continued violence could deepen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has urged Washington to halt its airstrikes and seek diplomatic solutions.
Residents in Sanaa reported violent explosions from the U.S. attacks, with some sites linked to Houthi leadership. Footage from the aftermath showed medics treating injured civilians, including children. The Houthis also reported that a power station in Dahyan was struck, causing a blackout.
The ongoing conflict has significantly disrupted global trade, forcing the U.S. into a costly military campaign to protect shipping routes. While Washington remains committed to ensuring safe navigation in the Red Sea, the crisis shows no sign of de-escalation, with both sides vowing further action.
