Video: US Navy Launches Large-Scale Operation Against Houthis, 31 Killed

The U.S. Central Command has launched a large-scale military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen. The strikes targeted multiple locations, including Houthi military bases and strongholds.

According to reports, at least 31 people were killed, with 101 others injured. Yemen’s Houthi-run health ministry stated that most of the casualties were women and children.

The strikes, which started on Saturday, are expected to continue for several days, making this the most significant US military campaign in the region since President Donald Trump took office in January.

After the attacks, Trump issued a direct warning to the Houthis and Iran. He stated that their time was up and their attacks must stop immediately.

If they did not cease, he warned of severe consequences. Trump also demanded that Iran halt its support for the Houthis, saying that America would hold them fully accountable if they threatened the US.

CENTCOM Forces Launch Large Scale Operation Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen

On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and… pic.twitter.com/u5yx8WneoG

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami responded by saying that the Houthis are independent and make their own strategic decisions. He warned that if the US acted on its threats, Iran would respond decisively.

The US operation involved fighter jets launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, stationed in the Red Sea.

The attacks targeted Houthi-controlled areas, including a building in a Houthi stronghold in Sanaa. Witnesses described powerful explosions that shook neighbourhoods, causing fear among civilians.

Strikes were also reported in Taiz, a city in southwestern Yemen, and Dahyan, a town in Saada. A strike in Dahyan hit a power station, resulting in power outages.

Per reports, Dahyan is a significant location where Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi frequently meets with visitors.

CENTCOM operations against Iran-backed Houthis continue… pic.twitter.com/DYvc3gREN8

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025

The Pentagon says that the strikes were necessary due to the Houthis’ repeated attacks on US warships and commercial vessels. Since 2023, the Houthis have launched 174 attacks on US warships and 145 attacks on commercial vessels, disrupting global trade routes in the Red Sea.

The Houthis condemned the US strikes calling them a “war crime” and vowed retaliation. A spokesperson for the group’s political bureau stated that their forces were fully prepared to escalate in response to the attacks.

Al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-run media outlet, reported that the strikes were an act of “US-British aggression” and accused the Trump administration of brutality.

The Houthis had earlier announced their plan to resume attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab-al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden until Israel allowed aid into Gaza.

CENTCOM forces continue operations against Iran-backed Houthi terrorists… pic.twitter.com/zEWykoDKQR

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2025

Iran’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the attacks, calling them a “gross violation of international law” and the United Nations Charter.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticised the US, urging it to “end support for Israeli genocide and terrorism” and stop targeting Yemeni civilians.

Per reports, Trump recently sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, seeking negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, Khamenei rejected the offer, refusing to engage with the U.S.

Meanwhile, the US is also working on improving diplomatic relations with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to inform him about the US military operation in Yemen.

Per reports, Russia has been using Iranian-supplied missiles and drones in its war in Ukraine.

References: Reuters, US Centcom

Source: Maritime Shipping News