U.S. Military Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions
The U.S. military launched a series of targeted strikes against more than a dozen Houthi positions in Yemen on Friday, focusing on weapons systems, bases, and other military infrastructure controlled by the Iranian-backed rebel group. According to U.S. officials, military aircraft and warships bombed key Houthi strongholds in at least five locations, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Multiple Targets Hit Across Yemen
Houthi media confirmed the strikes, reporting that seven air raids targeted Hodeida’s airport and the Katheib area, where a Houthi-controlled military base is located. Four additional strikes hit the Seiyana area in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, while two others impacted Dhamar province. The offensive extended to Bayda province, southeast of Sanaa, with three additional air raids reported.
These strikes followed just days after the Houthis threatened to escalate military operations against Israel. The group claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. military drone over Yemen and for a recent attack on American warships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Last week, the Houthis launched more than six ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and two drones at U.S. Navy vessels. According to officials, all missiles were intercepted by U.S. Navy destroyers before reaching their targets.
Houthi Threat to Global Shipping
The Houthi rebel group has been increasingly attacking international shipping vessels since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza last October. The group claims to target vessels linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom as part of a campaign to pressure these nations into halting Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, some vessels attacked by the Houthis have had little or no connection to the conflict, including ships bound for Iran.
Since the conflict began, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at more than 80 merchant vessels. They have seized one ship, sunk two others, and killed four sailors during their attacks. The U.S.-led coalition has intercepted most of the missiles and drones aimed at military vessels, or they have failed to hit their targets.
Rising Concerns Over Regional Stability
The strikes highlight the growing complexity of the conflict in Yemen, where the Iranian-backed Houthis have become increasingly bold in targeting Western military and civilian vessels. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint, has become a flashpoint for Houthi attacks, raising concerns about the security of international shipping lanes and the potential for broader regional escalation.
As tensions mount, the U.S. and its allies remain on high alert, with military forces in the region prepared to respond to further Houthi provocations. The Houthis’ ongoing threats to Israel and the escalation of their attacks on shipping vessels are likely to keep tensions high in the Red Sea and beyond.