Reports from Yemeni media and sources indicate that the US caused over 100 fatalities and injuries in strikes in Yemen on Saturday night.
The Houthis claimed a counterstrike on a US warship on Sunday, prompting further US airstrikes in Yemen.
What triggered this retaliation? Who initiated it? What’s the purpose?
Here’s a summary of events.
The Situation in Yemen
Consecutive nights have seen US bombardments in Yemen, with the stated aim of targeting Houthi leadership.
These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals, including children, and injured nearly 100 more.
Location of the Attacks
US strikes have targeted Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, its outskirts, the northern province of Saada, and the port of Hodeidah.
Who Is Being Targeted?
US authorities claim their strikes aim at Houthi leaders.
The Houthis, however, assert that children were among those killed, and have circulated images of alleged victims.
“[Trump’s] strikes were clearly aimed at Houthi leadership, with no concern for civilian bystanders,” says independent Yemen analyst Nick Brumfield. “The strikes in Sanaa targeted a residential area known for housing many Houthi leaders.”
US Objectives
The US asserts it will continue to strike Yemen until the Houthis cease their actions, with President Donald Trump claiming the Houthis had “targeted our Troops and Allies”.
Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also alleged that Iran is behind the Houthis’ actions and has been “put on notice”.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced coordination of the Yemen attacks with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov.
Houthi Response
The Houthis claimed two attacks on the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships; the US has not responded. Houthi spokespeople vowed retaliation for the US and UK actions.
Why Is Iran Under Scrutiny?
US officials maintain that Iran significantly supports Houthi operations in the Red Sea.
Some see the group as a proxy for Iran, although many analysts and think tanks like Brookings and CFR consider them willing partners.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US has “no authority” in dictating Iranian foreign policy, criticizing US involvement as “support for Israeli genocide and terrorism”.
What Sparked This Conflict?
On March 2, Israel blocked all aid from entering Gaza, causing renewed hardship for residents in dire need of resources.
Houthi leader Abdelmalak al-Houthi issued a four-day ultimatum – if Israel didn’t reopen crossings and allow aid, the Houthis would resume targeting Israeli ships in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.
The Houthis have been targeting ships linked to Israel since November 2023 to pressure Israel into ending its conflict in Gaza.
These attacks halted with a ceasefire in Gaza on January 19, and the Houthis complied.
“They targeted an F-16 a few weeks ago and downed an MQ-9, claiming it was in Hodeidah airspace; regarding shipping, they have upheld their word,” says Brumfield.
The Trump administration reinstated the “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO) designation for the Houthis on March 4, four years after Joe Biden revoked it.
Effect of the Houthi Attacks
The Red Sea handles nearly 15 percent of global maritime trade, and Houthi strikes have forced this trade to take a longer, costlier route around Africa, escalating insurance costs and affecting global inflation rates.
The Houthis’ attacks have reportedly killed eight people and injured others. Most of their attacks have not resulted in casualties.
Will the Houthis Deter from US Attacks?
Based on their statements, likely not. The Houthis’ Supreme Political Council vowed to escalate the situation further, claiming that targeting civilians underscores America’s inability to address the situation.
Historically, the Houthis have leveraged these conflicts to bolster their recruitment efforts. Despite the current attacks being more aggressive than before, there is little indication they are willing to concede.
“The US claims to be fighting terrorism but is targeting our markets, homes and farms,” said Nassrudin Amer, a Houthi spokesperson. “Our stance is principled and our demand is clear: end the siege of Gaza and save its people from starvation.”
