Trump orders strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, killing at least 31 in large-scale attack
This handout image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) via X (formerly Twitter) on March 15, 2025 shows CENTCOM forces launching an operation against Huthi targets across Yemen. (Photo by US Central Command (CENTCOM) / Handout / AFP)
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered to launch a large-scale military operation against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on late Saturday, targeting multiple sites in response to the group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
At least 31 people were killed, with over 100 injured, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.
The strikes mark the most extensive U.S. military action in the Middle East since Trump took office.
U.S. officials suggested the campaign could last for weeks, intensifying pressure on both the Houthis and their primary backer, Iran.
Trump warns Iran, vows more strikes
Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that its support for the Houthis must cease immediately or face consequences. “America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” Trump declared.
On his Truth Social platform, he directed a message to the Houthis: “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the strikes were the beginning of a larger offensive.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the administration’s stance, writing on X: “Houthi attacks on American ships & aircraft (and our troops!) will not be tolerated; and Iran, their benefactor, is on notice.”
“Godspeed to our Warriors. Freedom of Navigation will be restored. America—under President Donald Trump—will NEVER back down,” Hegseth added.
Casualties and local reaction
The Houthis reported that the strikes killed 31 people and injured 101, mainly women and children. The group’s political bureau condemned the attacks as a “war crime” and vowed retaliation.
“Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation,” the Houthis said in a statement.
Residents in Sanaa described the strikes as powerful, shaking neighborhoods and causing widespread panic. “The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children,” a resident, Abdullah Yahia, told Reuters.
Strikes also targeted military sites in Taiz and a power station in Dahyan, leading to power outages, according to Al-Masirah TV.
Houthi attacks and US response
Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted ships off Yemen’s coast, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
The U.S. military has intercepted numerous missiles and drones aimed at commercial and military vessels, depleting its air defense reserves. The Pentagon stated that the Houthis have attacked U.S. warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023.
The strikes come as the U.S. intensifies sanctions on Iran, pressuring Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear program. Trump’s administration has authorized a more aggressive military approach.
Iran responds to US strikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the U.S. military action, saying Washington has “no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.” He also accused the U.S. of supporting Israeli operations in Gaza and targeting Yemeni civilians.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations has not commented on the strikes.
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