The United States has vowed to continue its military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi militants until they cease their attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea. This decision follows a recent airstrike that resulted in significant casualties, escalating tensions in the region.
US Strikes on Houthi Targets: Escalation of Military Operations
The U.S. airstrikes on March 15, 2025, killed at least 53 people.
Houthi leaders have threatened to retaliate against U.S. interests in the region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that strikes will continue until the Houthis stop targeting ships.
The Houthis have vowed to escalate their attacks if U.S. operations persist.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for several years, with the Houthi movement controlling significant portions of the country. The recent escalation is linked to the Houthis’ attacks on shipping routes, which they claim are in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.S. has accused Iran of supporting the Houthis, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Recent Developments
On March 15, the U.S. launched a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, resulting in a reported death toll of 53, including five children and two women. The strikes were described as the largest military operation in the region since President Donald Trump resumed office in January 2025.
In response, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared that the group would continue to target U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. maintains its military campaign. He stated, “If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation.”
U.S. Military Strategy
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the military campaign aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor. He stated, “The minute the Houthis say, ‘We’ll stop shooting at your ships,’ this campaign will end. But until then, it will be unrelenting.”
The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes since January 2024, targeting Houthi military capabilities in response to their attacks on shipping vessels. The Pentagon has indicated that these operations may continue for weeks, depending on the Houthis’ actions.
Houthi Response and Threats
Following the U.S. strikes, the Houthis have threatened to escalate their military actions, including potential attacks on U.S. interests in the region. A Houthi military spokesperson claimed that they had launched additional attacks against U.S. naval assets, although these claims have not been independently verified.
The Houthis have also indicated that they will resume attacks on Israeli shipping unless humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza, linking their military actions to the broader conflict in the region.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence. Russia has called for an immediate cessation of U.S. strikes and urged all parties to engage in dialogue. Meanwhile, Iran has warned of a decisive response to any threats against its allies, including the Houthis.
The United Nations has called for restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid further destabilization in Yemen, which is already facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Yemen remains precarious, with the potential for further conflict impacting not only the region but also global shipping and security interests.
Sources
US Strike in Yemen Kills 53 as Houthis Vow Retaliation, Tempo.co English.
US Vows ‘Unrelenting’ Strikes on Houthis Over Ship Attacks, Bloomberg.com.
US vows to keep hitting Houthis until ship attacks stop | Crookwell Gazette, Crookwell Gazette.
Yemen’s Houthis vow to hit US interests after targeting British ship, VOA – Voice of America English News.
US vows to keep hitting Houthis until shipping attacks stop, Reuters.
