Middle East|U.S. Military Strikes in Yemen and Houthi Threats Against U.S. Bases

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the United States military has launched air and naval strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, who have responded with threats to attack U.S. military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. military operation was officially announced by President Donald Trump, who emphasized the necessity of decisive action in response to Houthi attacks on American ships and naval assets. “I have ordered the American military to take decisive and powerful action against Yemen’s Houthi terrorists. Their actions must stop immediately or they will face unprecedented consequences,” Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social. The objective of the strikes is to restore freedom of navigation in the strategically vital Red Sea.

The U.S. strikes began with targeted attacks on military facilities in the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa, focusing on weapons depots, command centers, and air defense systems. According to the Houthis Health Ministry, at least nine people were killed and several others wounded; however, the exact toll is still being clarified. Residents reported strong explosions near Sanaa airport, resulting in thick clouds of smoke and widespread panic.

In a direct message to Iran, which Washington accuses of providing arms and financial support to the Houthis, Trump warned, “Iran is on notice: Stop supporting the Houthis or America will hold you accountable.” This marks a significant toughening of U.S. policy toward the Houthis, who were designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” earlier this year after the Biden administration had lifted that designation, citing humanitarian concerns.

The conflict has escalated since November 2023, when the Houthis began targeting vessels linked to Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, carrying out over 100 attacks, sinking two commercial vessels, and resulting in four sailor deaths. These developments prompted the U.S. and its allies, including the UK, to initiate Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at striking Houthi positions. Previous efforts, however, have not effectively curtailed the Houthis’ maritime activities.

The Houthis have now threatened to strike key U.S. military installations, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and Al Dhafra in the UAE. These bases are critical to the U.S. military presence in the region, and any attack on them could provoke a direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran.

Adding to the tensions, Israeli media reported a missile strike on a U.S. aircraft carrier allegedly launched by Houthi rebels. However, U.S. officials have denied these claims, asserting that the attack was successfully repelled. The Houthis have been posting videos showcasing missile launches.

The Houthis who maintain control over significant portions of Yemen, have used ballistic missiles, drones, and sea drones in their attacks, resulting in substantial economic repercussions. Major shipping companies have had to reroute through the Cape of Good Hope, leading to increased costs and extended delivery times.

U.S. Central Command reports that American forces have repeatedly thwarted Houthi attacks, intercepting missiles and drones aimed at U.S. warships and commercial vessels. In early March, U.S. forces destroyed several drones and missiles launched from Houthi-held areas of Yemen. The Pentagon emphasizes that the overarching goal of these operations is to safeguard freedom of navigation in a region crucial for approximately 12% of global trade.