The United States has intensified its military campaign in Yemen, carrying out a series of airstrikes on strategic locations. According to the official Saba news agency, US forces conducted three airstrikes on Hodeidah Airport, targeting missile and drone storage facilities. Simultaneously, the northern province of Saada witnessed bombings in the Sahar and Kitaf districts, while the central province of Marib faced five air attacks.
‘Key’ Houthi leaders killed
The US military has conducted targeted strikes in Yemen over the past week, eliminating key Houthi leaders, including the group’s top missile specialist, according to White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The strikes were launched following Houthi threats to attack Red Sea shipping amid the Gaza conflict. Waltz told CBS News that the campaign targeted Houthi headquarters, communication nodes, weapons factories, and drone production facilities. However, he did not disclose the identity of the slain missile specialist or provide details on other leaders killed. The US military has released limited information on the ongoing operations.
Why did the US attack Yemen?
Reports from Saudi broadcasters Al Arabiya and Al Hadath indicated that Mansour al-Saadi, the commander of the Houthi naval forces, sustained injuries during the raids on the naval base in the Al-Kathib area. The ongoing conflict reflects escalating tensions as the US seeks to curb Houthi activities in the Red Sea.
In a strategic move to bolster its military presence, the US has deployed a second aircraft carrier to West Asia. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group to extend its deployment in the Red Sea. The USS Carl Vinson and its accompanying destroyers will join as escorts in the coming weeks, as confirmed by defence officials.
On March 15, former US President Donald Trump announced a decisive military campaign against Houthi fighters, citing continued attacks on commercial shipping. Further strikes rocked Houthi strongholds, including Sanaa and Saada, with Trump declaring the objective to annihilate the group’s capabilities.
🇾🇪🇺🇸 BREAKING: US BOMBING of YEMEN, moments ago. pic.twitter.com/4NFkStYprh
— MEHMET VEFA DAG (@AFRICANDEMOC) March 23, 2025
“They will be completely annihilated!” Trump declared. “It’s not even a fair fight and never will be.” US warplanes and ships have hit more than 30 targets in Yemen since Saturday, targeting Houthi leaders and missile storage facilities.
Casualties
US strikes on Sanaa reportedly injured seven women and two children in a residential neighborhood. The Houthi health ministry confirmed additional strikes on Al-Jawf, Hodeidah, and Saada. US Central Command reiterated its commitment to restoring freedom of navigation and deterring Houthi aggression.
In a March 21 briefing, Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich detailed the extensive military campaign, which targeted over 30 locations, including training sites and weapons storage facilities. The Pentagon dismissed Houthi claims of targeting the USS Harry S. Truman, citing significant inaccuracies.
The Houthis have vowed to continue assaults on American and Israeli interests until hostilities in Gaza cease. Despite a brief pause after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in January, the conflict has reignited, affecting global trade routes in the Red Sea.