The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Monday, escalating its military campaign in response to the group’s ongoing attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes mark the most significant U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January.
According to Al Masirah TV, the airstrikes targeted the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate, north of the capital, Sanaa. Anees Alsbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-controlled health ministry, reported that at least 53 people had been killed, including five children and two women, with nearly 100 others wounded.
U.S. Responds to Houthi Attacks on Global Shipping
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group that has seized control of much of Yemen over the past decade, have carried out multiple attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023. These attacks have severely disrupted global trade and prompted the U.S. to increase its military presence in the region. The ongoing strikes, which a U.S. official told Reuters could last for weeks, come as Washington intensifies sanctions against Iran while pushing for renewed negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al Houthi warned on Sunday that the group would retaliate by targeting U.S. ships in the Red Sea if the airstrikes continued. “If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation,” he said in a televised speech. The group’s political wing condemned the U.S. actions as a “war crime,” while Russia urged Washington to halt its attacks.
Houthi Threats and Regional Impact
Early Monday, the Houthis claimed, without providing evidence, that they had launched a second attack on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. U.S. officials, however, reported that warplanes had successfully intercepted 11 Houthi drones on Sunday, none of which came close to the carrier. A missile was also tracked off the coast of Yemen but did not pose a direct threat.
The Houthis had initially paused their attacks when Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January. However, on March 12, the group renewed its threats against Israeli ships, demanding that Israel lift restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Trump’s Warning to Iran
President Trump has directly blamed Iran for supporting the Houthis, issuing a stern warning to Tehran. “America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” he declared. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, insisted that the Houthis act independently but warned that Iran would respond decisively to any U.S. threats.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to protecting global shipping routes. Speaking on Fox News, he stated, “The minute the Houthis say we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones. Until then, this campaign will be unrelenting.”
As tensions continue to escalate, the conflict threatens to further destabilize the region, with both the U.S. and the Houthis showing no signs of backing down.
