US Launches Attacks on Yemen’s Houthis After Red Sea Shipping Threats

In a significant escalation of tensions, President donald trump has authorized large-scale military attacks against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. this action follows threats from the group to target Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, citing Israel’s blockade on Gaza as justification.

The US military operations commenced on Saturday,march 15,2025,and continued into the early hours of Sunday,March 16,2025. Initial reports from Al Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, indicate that at least 23 people were killed in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, and the Saada province. tragically, among the deceased in Saada were four children and one woman. Additionally, at least 22 individuals sustained injuries in these attacks.

These raids represent the most ample military undertaking of President Trump’s second term thus far. The move signals a decisive shift in US policy toward the region, prompting widespread debate and raising concerns about potential repercussions.

Trump’s Warning to the Houthis and Iran

President Trump issued a stern warning via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “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 further declared, “I have ordered the US military today to launch a decisive and powerful military operation against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” emphasizing Washington’s intent to “use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective”.

Trump also directly addressed Iran, demanding an immediate cessation of support for the Houthis. He warned that any threats from Iran would be met with severe consequences: “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”

houthi Response: Accusations of Misinformation

Despite the threats that triggered the US response, the Houthis have not yet attacked any ships. The group’s justification for potential action stems from what they assert is Israel’s comprehensive blockade of Gaza, preventing the entry of essential supplies.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam, a Houthi spokesman, refuted the US claims, stating, “What the US president claims about a threat to international navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is false and misleading to international public opinion.”

Abdul-Salam added, “The maritime embargo declared by Yemen in support of Gaza is limited only to Israeli navigation until humanitarian aid is delivered to the people of Gaza, according to the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance and the enemy entity.” A separate statement from the Houthis’ Political Bureau condemned the attacks as a “war crime” and vowed retaliation, asserting, “The aggression will not go unanswered… Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation.”

Eyewitness Accounts from Sanaa

Residents of Sanaa reported intense airstrikes that shook the Eastern Geraf neighborhood in the Shouab district. Abdallah al-Alffi, a local resident, described the scene: “The explosions were very strong.It was like an earthquake.” The strikes instilled fear among women and children in the area, highlighting the human cost of the escalating conflict.

Broader Context: Houthi Attacks and Regional Dynamics

Since November 2023, following the onset of the conflict in Gaza, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks targeting shipping, disrupting global commerce. These actions prompted a US military campaign to intercept missiles and drones, straining US air defense resources.

the Houthis maintain that these attacks are an expression of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Despite setbacks for other Iranian allies in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the Houthis have demonstrated resilience, continuing to pose a significant threat to regional stability.

Prior to the recent escalation, the Houthis had halted their drone and missile attacks following the Gaza ceasefire declared in January 2025. the latest US intervention signals a potential end to this period of relative calm.

Contradictory Justifications: Analyzing the US Rationale

Questions have been raised regarding the justification for the US assault. Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane noted that Trump cited the need to “stop” Houthi attacks, despite the group not having launched any raids recently. culhane added, “Trump says another reason is because Houthis attacked a US military warship. But that happened when he was not president.”

Moreover, Culhane referenced a White House statement indicating that annual Red Sea shipping transit had decreased from 25,000 to 10,000 ships, challenging the notion that the region was entirely inaccessible. The statement also noted 145 attacks on US commercial ships since 2023, with the most recent occurring in December, prior to trump’s inauguration.

The strikes involved fighter aircraft from the Harry S Truman aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea. US central Command characterized the operation as the beginning of a large-scale effort across Yemen.Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed on X, “houthi attacks on American ships & aircraft (and our troops!) will not be tolerated; and iran, their benefactor, is on notice. Freedom of Navigation will be restored.”

Earlier in March, the US designated the Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist” institution, further escalating tensions.

Diplomatic perspectives: Concerns of Misguided Strategy

Former US diplomat Nabeel Khoury criticized Trump’s decision to attack the Houthis, arguing that it is unlikely to subdue the group. Khoury stated, “for our president who came in wanting to avoid war and wanting to be a man of peace, he’s going about it the wrong way. There are many paths that can be used before you resort to war.”

He further emphasized the challenges of eradicating the Houthis, stating, “If you think that Hamas, living and fighting on a very small piece of land, totally surrounded by land, air and sea, and yet, 17 months of bombardment by the israelis did not get rid of them. The Houthis lived in a much more rugged space, mountainous regions – it would be virtually unfeasible to eradicate them.” Ultimately Khoury concluded, “So there is no military logic to what’s happening, and there is no political logic either.”

Conclusion: A Volatile Situation Unfolds

The US military intervention in Yemen marks a perilous turning point in an already complex regional landscape. With conflicting justifications and uncertain outcomes, the attacks raise serious questions about the long-term strategy and potential consequences. As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift de-escalation and a return to diplomatic solutions. Stay informed and engage in constructive dialog to promote peace and stability in the region.

What are your thoughts on the recent US military action in Yemen? Share your outlook in the comments below.

What are the potential long-term consequences of the US military intervention in Yemen for regional stability in the middle East?

Analyzing the US Strikes on Yemen: An Expert Interview

Considering the recent US military action in Yemen, we’re joined today by Dr. Eleanor Vance, a renowned Professor of International Relations specializing in Middle Eastern politics, to provide context and analysis. Dr. Vance, welcome to Archyde.

Context of the US Military Intervention in Yemen

Archyde: Dr. vance, can you provide our readers with some background on why the US launched these strikes against the Houthis in Yemen?

Dr. Vance: Certainly. The strikes,authorized by President Trump,are a response to the Houthi threats against shipping in the Red Sea,notably those perceived to be linked to Israel. The Houthis claim this is in retaliation for what they see as Israel’s blockade on Gaza. This escalation builds upon a series of events, including previous Houthi attacks that have disrupted global commerce.

Assessing the Justification for the Yemen Strikes

Archyde: There seems to be some debate regarding the timing and justification of these strikes.What’s your take?

Dr. Vance: Well, it’s true that the houthis hadn’t launched any recent attacks promptly prior to the US intervention, even though they had posed threats. Critics point out that previous Houthi attacks occurred before President Trump’s current term. This raises questions about the specific motivations and strategic timing behind the US action.

The Potential Impact on Red Sea Shipping and Regional Stability

Archyde: How do you see these strikes affecting the already fragile stability in the region and the crucial Red Sea trade route?

Dr. Vance: Sadly, the situation is very volatile. While the US aims to restore freedom of navigation, these strikes could further provoke the Houthis, leading to more attacks on shipping. Moreover, it risks drawing other actors, like Iran, more directly into the conflict. The Red Sea is a vital artery for global trade, and any sustained disruption impacts economies worldwide.

Long-Term Strategy and Choice Approaches

Archyde: What about the long-term effectiveness of military action alone? Are there alternative strategies the US could pursue?

Dr. Vance: Many experts argue that a purely military approach is unlikely to be decisive. the Houthis have proven to be resilient, even in the face of meaningful military pressure. Diplomatic engagement, mediation efforts involving regional powers, and addressing the underlying humanitarian crisis in yemen are crucial components of any lasting solution. Focusing on de-escalation and addressing the root causes of the conflict is essential.

Iran’s Role and Regional Implications

Archyde: President Trump directly addressed Iran, warning them against supporting the Houthis. How significant is Iran’s role in this conflict?

Dr. Vance: iran’s support for the Houthis is indeed a key factor. While the extent of that support is debated, it’s clear that cutting off that support would significantly weaken the Houthis. However, a direct confrontation with Iran carries enormous risks and could trigger a wider regional conflict. A very carefully calibrated approach is needed.

A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. One final question for our readers: Given the complexity of the situation and the potential for unintended consequences, do you believe that the US military intervention in Yemen will ultimately contribute to regional stability, or will it exacerbate existing tensions? We encourage you to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.