U.S. Airstrikes Target Houthis in Yemen for Third Consecutive Day

On the night of March 18, 2025, the United States conducted a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a. The strikes marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with powerful explosions reverberating through residential neighborhoods and key infrastructure, creating widespread panic among the local populace.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the airstrikes aimed at military installations controlled by the Houthis. These targets included missile depots and command centers, with the operation designed to diminish the militia’s capabilities, especially in light of their recent increase in attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Al Masirah TV reported civilian casualties resulting from the bombings, the specific numbers regarding the dead and injured have yet to be confirmed. The escalation comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly following the Houthis’ intensified response to the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip. On March 17, U.S. fighter jets intercepted and shot down 11 drones launched by the Houthis toward the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier, an incident that reportedly influenced the decision to carry out subsequent airstrikes.

The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks on U.S. and allied vessels until a ceasefire is established in Gaza. The bombings in Sana’a were part of a broader U.S. military operation initiated on March 16, which included strikes not only in the capital but also in the provinces of Dhamar, Saada, and Hajjah. The Houthis have claimed that more than 30 individuals, including women and children, have lost their lives in the airstrikes. Analysts suggest that while the U.S. aims to secure shipping routes in this strategically vital region, the potential for further escalation remains a critical concern.