U.S. Military Launches Airstrikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen

The United States military has initiated a series of air and naval strikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting positions controlled by the Houthis. According to the Houthi-Health Ministry, the strikes have resulted in at least nine fatalities, with the casualty count still being assessed. The operation started overnight on March 15 and may extend into the morning, as reported by The New York Times, citing U.S. military officials.

American sources indicate that the strikes are focused on Houthi weapons depots, command centers, and air defense systems. Washington accuses the Houthis of systematically attacking commercial vessels and warships in the Red Sea, and the Pentagon claims that these military actions are aimed at restoring security to vital maritime routes that facilitate a significant portion of global trade. In response, the Houthis assert that their attacks are a reaction to Western support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, vowing to continue their operations until the “aggression against the Palestinian people” ceases.

Residents in Sanaa have reported powerful explosions, particularly in the densely populated Shuab neighborhood, which is home to numerous residential buildings and hospitals. Yemeni media outlets have indicated that the strikes have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and incited panic among the local population. Houthi representatives have condemned the U.S. actions as a “terrorist attack on civilians,” alleging that women and children are among the deceased, although independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.

This escalation in Yemen comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions in the Red Sea are underway. Earlier in March, representatives from the United States, Britain, and Saudi Arabia convened in Riyadh to strategize ways to de-escalate the situation in the region. However, the recent military action suggests a shift in priority towards a military solution, which experts warn could exacerbate violence and lead to a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates that over 24 million people in Yemen are already in need of assistance.

The U.S. operation in Sanaa is part of a broader military campaign that began in December 2024, following a series of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Since the beginning of the year, the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on maritime targets, resulting in the sinking of two commercial vessels and the deaths of four sailors, according to Pentagon reports. In retaliation, the U.S. and its allies have executed more than 70 strikes in Yemen, targeting radar systems, drone depots, and missile launch sites, but these efforts have yet to effectively curb the rebels’ activities.

Analysts suggest that the current military operation may also be influenced by domestic political considerations in Washington, as the Trump administration seeks to project strength in addressing threats to American interests. However, experts caution that relying solely on military measures without a comprehensive diplomatic strategy is unlikely to achieve long-term stabilization in the region and may inadvertently bolster the Houthis’ position, as they harness Western military actions to galvanize domestic support.