U.S. strikes Houthi Targets in yemen Following Deadly Port Attack
By Archyde News Staff |
SANAA, Yemen – The U.S. military conducted a series of airstrikes Saturday targeting Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, escalating its response to attacks on international shipping and U.S. allies in the region. The strikes hit the capital, Sanaa, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, according to Houthi officials, just days after a separate U.S. strike on a Hodeida port resulted in significant casualties.
houthi Claims of Casualties and U.S. Response
The Houthis’ media office reported that “13 U.S. airstrikes hit an airport and a port in Hodeida, on the Red Sea.” They also claimed strikes occurred in Sanaa. As of Saturday, “there were no immediate reports of casualties,” though concerns are mounting about the potential for civilian harm in the ongoing conflict.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, confirmed that it “continues to conduct strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.” CENTCOM declined to comment on specific casualty numbers, instead referring to a previous statement asserting that “this strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen.”
Deadly Strike on Ras isa Port
The recent escalation follows a notably deadly strike on Thursday at the port of Ras Isa in Hodeida province. According to the Houthi-run health ministry, that strike resulted in “killing 74 people and wounding 171 others.” The Houthis characterized it as “the deadliest strike in the U.S. ongoing bombing campaign on the Iranian-backed rebels.”
International Condemnation and Calls for restraint
The rising death toll and the potential for further escalation have drawn international concern.United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, said Saturday that he was “gravely concerned” about the attack on Ras Isa, as well as the Houthis missile and drone attacks on Israel and the shipping routes.”
Dujarric added, “the secretary-general recalls that international law, including international humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected at all times, and he appeals to all to respect and protect civilians as well as civilian infrastructure.”
Background: Houthi Attacks and U.S. Response
the strikes on Hodeida are part of “a month-long U.S. bombing campaign,” initiated in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the red sea and on israel.The U.S. has asserted its right to defend freedom of navigation and to protect its allies from Houthi aggression.
The Red Sea is a crucial artery for global trade, connecting Europe and Asia. Houthi attacks have disrupted shipping lanes,forcing vessels to take longer and more expensive routes,adding to supply chain pressures and potentially increasing consumer costs. According to data from the U.S. Energy Data Administration (EIA), any prolonged closure of the Red Sea could lead to a significant spike in shipping rates and energy prices.
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed group, have been engaged in a civil war in Yemen since 2014, fighting against the internationally recognized government. the conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation and disease.
Debate Over Civilian Casualties and Proportionality
The U.S. military’s refusal to directly address questions about potential civilian casualties has fueled criticism from human rights organizations, who argue that the strikes may be disproportionate and violate international humanitarian law. Critics point to the high number of reported casualties in the Ras Isa port strike as evidence of insufficient precautions to protect civilians.
Though, proponents of the U.S. military action argue that the Houthis deliberately embed themselves in civilian areas, making it arduous to avoid civilian casualties. They also maintain that the Houthi attacks on international shipping constitute a grave threat to global trade and security, justifying the use of force to deter further aggression.
Recent Developments
Since the initial strikes in April 2025, the U.S. has continued to conduct targeted operations against Houthi missile sites, drone launch pads, and radar installations. On April 18, 2025, the Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in procuring weapons and technology for the Houthi rebels, further tightening the economic noose around the group.
Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy
The ongoing military action in Yemen highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. While the U.S. aims to protect its interests and allies, it also faces pressure to minimize civilian casualties and avoid further destabilizing the region.The U.S. approach reflects a balancing act,seeking to deter Houthi aggression while mitigating the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
FAQ: U.S. Strikes in Yemen
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is the U.S. conducting airstrikes in Yemen? | The U.S. says the strikes are in response to Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and on U.S. allies, including Israel. These attacks disrupt global trade and threaten regional stability. |
| What are the Houthis? | The houthis are an armed group that controls a large part of Yemen. They are backed by Iran and have been engaged in a civil war as 2014. |
| What is the impact of the conflict on civilians? | The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions of people facing starvation, disease, and displacement. Civilian casualties from airstrikes and fighting are a major concern. |
| What is the U.S. position on civilian casualties? | The U.S. military says it takes precautions to avoid civilian casualties but acknowledges that they can occur in armed conflict. Critics argue that the U.S. needs to do more to protect civilians. |
| What are the potential consequences of the U.S. military action? | The U.S. military action could deter further Houthi attacks, but it could also escalate the conflict, further destabilize the region, and worsen the humanitarian crisis in yemen. |
