US Intensifies Strikes on Houthis Amid Red Sea Tensions

Monday 17 March 2025 - 10:45

By: Zahouani Ilham

US Intensifies Strikes on Houthis Amid Red Sea Tensions

The United States has vowed to continue its military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels until they halt their attacks on commercial shipping. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed this stance on Sunday, following a series of American airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 53 people. The Iran-backed Houthis, in response, have threatened to escalate their attacks, including targeting U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea.

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stated that his forces would retaliate as long as U.S. operations continue. The Houthi political bureau condemned the strikes as a “war crime,” while Russia urged Washington to cease its military actions. Meanwhile, the group’s military spokesperson claimed—without evidence—that they had launched another attack on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. However, American forces intercepted 11 Houthi drones on Sunday, with no immediate threat to the carrier.

Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. campaign would persist until the Houthis cease hostilities, stating that ensuring the safety of vital maritime routes is a key national interest. He also accused Iran of enabling Houthi aggression, warning that the U.S. would not tolerate further escalations.

The Houthis, who have controlled large parts of Yemen for over a decade, recently renewed their threats against Israeli-linked ships, citing solidarity with Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Former President Donald Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding that it stop backing the Houthis or face serious consequences.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami denied any direct involvement, while the United Nations called for restraint to prevent further destabilization in the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged an immediate cessation of force and a focus on political dialogue.

Civilian casualties from the U.S. strikes have sparked concern, with local reports indicating that women and children were among the dead. Residents of Sanaa described the bombings as devastating, with buildings reduced to rubble and emergency teams struggling to assist the injured. Additional strikes were reported in the city of Taiz, targeting Houthi military installations.

The situation remains highly volatile, with fears that ongoing violence could further escalate tensions across the Middle East.