U.S. Attacks on Yemen (March 2025)

ABD’s attacks on Yemen are military operations conducted by the United States and its allies against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen. These attacks, launched by U.S. President Donald Trump on 15 March 2025, were carried out in response to Houthi actions targeting maritime traffic in the Red Sea.

The U.S. administration has stated that the operations aim to limit the Houthi military capacity and secure trade routes. However, the attacks have triggered significant civilian casualties in Yemen and drawn international criticism.

Background

The Houthis in Yemen launched an insurgency against the central government in 2014 after capturing the capital Sanaa. Identified as a group supported by Iran, the Houthis are regarded as a threat by the United States and Western allies.

Since October 2023, the Houthis have intervened in maritime traffic in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s attacks on Gaza, launching strikes against vessels linked to the United States and Israel. The United States has viewed these attacks as a threat to commercial shipping and initiated direct military action against the Houthis.

Trump’s Decision for Military Intervention

On 15 March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of a large-scale military operation against the Houthis in Yemen. In a statement on the Truth Social platform, Trump declared that attacks by the Houthis on U.S. ships in the Red Sea would not be tolerated and that the United States would use “decisive force.”

On the same day, U.S. war aircraft began striking Houthi military and infrastructure targets across various regions of Yemen. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in an interview with Fox News, stated that the strikes against the Houthis would continue until they fully disarmed.

On 17 March 2025, Trump stated that Houthi attacks were directed by Iran and declared that any future attack by the Houthis would be considered as having been carried out by Iran, with corresponding retaliation.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, “Let no one be fooled! Every one of the hundreds of attacks carried out by the Houthis — despised by the Yemeni people and known as malicious mafia and bandits operating in Yemen — originate from Iran.”

Airstrikes and Casualties

Attacks on Sanaa and Saada

On 16 March 2025, the United States and the United Kingdom launched intensive airstrikes on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, and Saada, a city in the north. Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television reported that 31 people, mostly women and children, were killed and 101 injured in the attacks.

Attacks on Industrial Facilities in Hodeidah

In U.S. airstrikes, the “Al-Hubashi” iron factory in the Bacil district of Hodeidah province in western Yemen was targeted and completely destroyed.

Escalation of Attacks and Rising Death Toll

As of 17 March 2025, U.S. airstrikes against Yemen continued, with the Houthis reporting that the death toll had risen to 53. The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health confirmed that five children were among the dead and 98 others were injured.

On 18 March 2025, the United States conducted another airstrike on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. The Houthis did not comment on whether the strike caused casualties or damage but condemned it. On 19 March, Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television reported that the United States had targeted the Tahyya area in the Mecez district of Saada.

Houthi Counterattacks

Following the commencement of U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis targeted the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and other warships in the Red Sea. On 16 March 2025, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Seri announced that the U.S. navy had been hit by 18 ballistic and cruise missiles and one unmanned aerial vehicle. Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi declared on 16 March 2025 that naval operations would continue until the blockade of Gaza was lifted and aid was allowed in. On 19 March, the Houthis announced that they had struck the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Seri stated that this was the fourth time in the past 72 hours that the U.S. aircraft carrier had been targeted.

International Reactions

Statements by the United States

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an interview with CBS News on 17 March 2025, asserted that the attacks against the Houthis were carried out to ensure the security of global maritime transport and claimed that the United States was “doing good for the entire world.” National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated in his remarks that many Houthi leaders had been targeted in the strikes and that these operations would continue.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declared that Houthi attacks on American ships were unacceptable and that the United States had completely changed its approach to such attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement on 19 March, called on Iran to immediately cease its support for the Houthis in Yemen. Trump noted that the military equipment sent by Iran to the Houthis had decreased but added, “Reports indicate that Iran is still continuing to send large quantities of materials. Iran must immediately halt the delivery of these materials.”

U.S. strikes on Yemen, 17 February 2025 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)

Houthi Statements

The Houthi political bureau emphasized that the U.S. and British attacks in Yemen constitute war crimes and violate international law, and announced that they would respond to these attacks in kind.

Other Countries and International Organizations

Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that the United States must halt its attacks on Yemen and called for the resolution of the issue through diplomacy. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement on 16 March 2025, called on all parties to immediately cease all military activities.

Deepening of New Military Operations and Conflicts

March 2025’s final week has seen continued U.S. strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. On 22 March, U.S. war aircraft conducted an air strike on the Sakeyn district west of the city of Saada. On the same date, the capital Sanaa, as well as the governorates of Hodeidah, Zammar and Jawf, were also targeted.

Sources affiliated with the Houthis reported that the number of fatalities from the strikes had risen to 79, with 107 injured. Official statements noted that among the dead were women and children.

Leak of Military Plans in the United States

On 24 March 2025, it was revealed that the U.S. administration’s plans regarding Yemen had been accidentally sent to a journalist. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of Atlantic magazine, claimed he had been erroneously added to a Signal message group that included U.S. national security officials and in which attacks on Yemen were being discussed.

The situation was indirectly confirmed by the White House, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the allegations, asserting that operational plans were not included in the messages. President Trump stated he had no knowledge of the matter.

Intensive Air Campaign from March 26 to 29

On March 26, 2025, U.S. military aircraft launched numerous air strikes targeting the city of Sada in northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa. According to sources affiliated with the Houthis, one person was killed and three injured in the attacks on Sada. In Sanaa, seven civilians were reported wounded. Alongside these strikes, a total of 69 air strikes were carried out across Yemen on the same day. By March 29, U.S. attacks had encompassed the governorates of Sanaa, Sada, Hodeidah, Jawf, Marib, and Amran.

New Air Strikes on Sada and Sanaa

On April 1, 2025, Al-Mesira television, a media outlet affiliated with the Houthis, announced that the United States conducted an extensive air campaign targeting the eastern and southern districts of Sada. On the same day, five air strikes were carried out against the Cerban area in Senhan district, southeast of the capital Sanaa, and two strikes targeted the Beni Matar district. A total of 15 air strikes were conducted against Sada. Additionally, it was reported that a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down over Marib governorate.

Targeting Water Infrastructure

On April 2, 2025, a drinking water storage facility in Hodeidah city was targeted in U.S. air strikes. According to Houthi-affiliated television channels, the strike rendered the facility inoperable, cutting off water supply to eight different areas. This disruption prevented access to drinking water for more than 50,000 people.

Civilian Targets in the Hafsin Area

On the evening of April 5, U.S. warplanes conducted four separate air strikes on the Hafsin area west of Sada. The so-called spokesperson for the Houthi Ministry of Health stated that the strikes targeted a shop selling solar energy equipment and a nearby house. Two civilians were killed and nine injured in the attacks, including children among the wounded. Search and rescue operations were conducted in the area following the strikes.

Bombardment of Kamaran Island and the Capital Sanaa

On April 6, U.S. warplanes launched five air strikes on Kamaran Island, which is part of Hodeidah governorate. Kamaran is an island located off the western coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. On the same day, a house in the Şuub neighborhood of Sanaa was targeted, resulting in four deaths and 16 injuries, including women and children. Additionally, three more air strikes were carried out against the Beni Matar area west of the capital.

Widespread Casualties

On April 6 and 7, the United States launched a new wave of air campaigns across Yemen, targeting not only the capital Sanaa but also the governorates of Sada, Hodeidah, Jawf, and Amran. According to Houthi sources, a total of six people were killed and 32 injured in the strikes, including numerous women and children. Mountainous regions such as Jabal al-Aswad, communication infrastructure, and various populated areas were among the targets of the air strikes.

Attack on Settlement in Hodeidah

On 7 April 2025, United States warplanes targeted the settlement of Emin Mukbil in the al-Hawkah district of Hodeidah, a province in western Yemen. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health affiliated with the Houthis, four people were killed and sixteen others injured in the attack. It was reported that civilians were among the wounded, some individuals remained trapped under rubble, and search and rescue operations were ongoing in the area.

In a statement released by the Houthis following the attack, the targeted site was emphasized as a civilian settlement, and the United States operation was described as a violation of international law.

Simultaneous Attacks in Hodeidah and Sanaa

On 7 April 2025, air forces reported to be belonging to the United States launched new air strikes against the city of Hodeidah in western Yemen and the surrounding areas of the capital Sanaa. The al-Hawak district of Hodeidah was targeted, with 13 people reported killed. The majority of those killed were women and children. Sixteen others were injured in the same wave of attacks. Witnesses and local media reported that the targeted area was a civilian settlement.

The Racem area in the Beni Hasis district of Sanaa province and the en-Nehdeyn area in the Sabiin district were also subjected to bombardment. Three people were killed in these attacks. In separate air operations targeting the Amran, Damar and Ibb governorates, at least three people were injured.

Houthi-affiliated Ministry of Health spokesperson Enis al-Asbahi reported that since 15 March, U.S. attacks on Yemen have resulted in the deaths of 107 civilians and injuries to 223 others. It was stated that the strikes targeted communication infrastructure, civilian areas and strategic sites under Houthi control. U.S. authorities have not issued direct statements regarding these operations; however, media reports indicated that the attacks were conducted within the authority granted by the White House on 15 March.

U.S. Warning to Countries and Companies Supplying Fuel to Houthi-Controlled Ports in Yemen

On 9 April 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning to countries and commercial entities providing fuel or other logistical support to ports under Houthi control in Yemen. The statement indicated that such activities risk violating U.S. laws and would be met with “no leniency” by the American government.

Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “The United States will show no leniency to any country or commercial entity that provides support to foreign terrorist organizations such as the Houthis, including by facilitating ship unloading or supplying petroleum to Houthi-controlled ports. Such actions risk violating U.S. laws.”

Attacks on Sana and Jaf Regions

On 7 April 2025, United States warplanes carried out new air strikes in the Sana governorate in northern Yemen and in several areas within the Jaf governorate. According to sources affiliated with the Houthis, the El-Savari Ceramic Factory located in the Beni Matar district west of the capital Sana was targeted in three separate air strikes. As a result of these attacks, five people were killed and thirteen were injured. The factory is reported to have been a civilian production facility.

On the same day, the El-Yatma area in the Habb and Ash-Shaaf districts of the Jaf governorate was also hit by U.S. air strikes. Two separate attacks were conducted against this area, but no information regarding casualties was released. Sources affiliated with the Houthis further reported that on the same day, a U.S. MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down over the airspace of the Hajjah governorate by a locally produced missile system.

Airstrikes on Kamaran Island and Other Areas

On 14–15 April 2025, United States warplanes launched more than fifteen airstrikes on Kamaran Island, located in the western part of Yemen and administratively part of Hodeidah province. According to information reported by Al-Masirah television, which is affiliated with the Houthis, no official statement has been made regarding whether these strikes resulted in any casualties.

On the same dates, the Zahir region in Al-Bayda province in southern Yemen was also targeted by the United States. Additionally, three airstrikes were carried out on the Al-Salim area in Saada governorate in northern Yemen, and the Harf Sufyan region in Amran province, along with surrounding areas of Saada, was subjected to bombardment. No clear information has been released regarding the number of fatalities or injuries resulting from these attacks.

Airstrike on Ras Isa Port

On 17 April 2025, United States war aircraft targeted Ras Isa Port in the Es-Salif district of Hodeidah province, western Yemen, in two separate airstrikes. According to information reported by Al-Masirah television, affiliated with the Houthis, the attacks resulted in 80 deaths and 150 injuries. Among the deceased were civilian personnel and medical teams stationed at the port. Following the strikes, a fire broke out at the port area, and civil defense units began firefighting and rescue operations.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strike, stating that the target was infrastructure used by Houthi forces to obtain fuel and generate revenue. CENTCOM did not comment on casualties. It is known that Ras Isa Port is located at the point where the oil pipeline from the Marib region meets the sea and is used for commercial activities.

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Houthi-affiliated Government

On 25 April 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Houthi-affiliated government, which is not internationally recognized, issued a written statement asserting that the United States has conducted over 1,200 air and naval strikes against Yemen since 15 March 2025. According to the statement, these attacks have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries. Additionally, numerous civilian structures including settlements, ports, healthcare facilities, water infrastructure, and historical sites have been damaged.

The same statement emphasized that the U.S.-led attacks constitute a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law. It stressed that the actions of the Washington administration in Yemen amount to a full-scale attack and contravene international norms.

According to Houthi-affiliated sources, 217 people, mostly women and children, have been killed and 436 others injured as a result of the strikes. The statement noted that U.S. air strikes have been particularly concentrated on the capital Sanaa and the northern town of Saada, with the Beni Matar district and the Mecz region also targeted.

Airstrike on Migrant Shelter in Saada

On 27 April 2025, United States military aircraft targeted a migrant shelter in Saada province, northern Yemen, which is under Houthi control. According to a statement issued by the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Interior, at least 68 people were killed and 47 others were injured in the attack.

The shelter, which was reportedly housing 115 migrants primarily from Ethiopia and other African countries, was under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Local sources reported extensive destruction in the area following the strike and the recovery of numerous bodies from the rubble. Al-Mesirah television broadcast footage of rescue operations at the site.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not issue a direct statement regarding the attack but announced that since March, more than 800 targets across Yemen had been struck and hundreds of Houthi fighters killed.

The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health stated that hospitals in Saada were overwhelmed after the strike and that most of the injured were in critical condition. The Houthis condemned the attack as deliberately targeting civilians and migrants, labeling it an “open war crime.” Independent international sources have been unable to verify all details of the incident. US military officials have not commented on the event.