U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen Amid Escalating Maritime Tensions

In mid-March 2025, the United States initiated a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in the region's ongoing conflict. The campaign began on March 15, with precision strikes aimed at degrading the Houthis' military capabilities, including training sites, drone launch facilities, and command centers. These actions were in response to the Houthis' persistent attacks on international shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have significantly disrupted global maritime trade.

President Donald Trump announced the commencement of the operation, emphasizing the objective of restoring freedom of navigation and deterring further Houthi aggression. The initial airstrikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities and numerous injuries among Houthi forces. The U.S. Department of Defense indicated that the campaign would persist until the Houthis ceased their attacks on shipping lanes. Subsequent strikes have continued, with reports indicating that as of late March, at least 61 Houthi combatants have been killed.

In retaliation, the Houthis have claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone amid the ongoing U.S. airstrikes. The U.S. has acknowledged the reports but has not provided further comments. The Houthis have also expanded their operations, threatening to target U.S. and British ships in response to the airstrikes.

The Houthi attacks have had a profound impact on global shipping. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, shipping traffic in the Red Sea has decreased by approximately 90% due to the attacks. This disruption has affected at least 65 countries and forced major energy and shipping companies to alter their routes, often opting to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This detour adds about 11,000 nautical miles and at least 10 days of travel to each voyage, increasing fuel costs by approximately $1 million per trip. Insurance premiums for Red Sea shipping have also risen significantly, from less than 0.1% before December 2023 to between 0.7% and 1.0% of the total value of the ship as of mid-February 2025.

The escalation of military actions has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The ongoing violence and targeting of civilian infrastructure have raised alarms among human rights groups and analysts. Aid efforts have been hindered by increasing insecurity and reduced international support, with many humanitarian organizations scaling back or suspending operations due to safety concerns and funding cuts.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been involved in Yemen's civil war since 2014 and have previously targeted international vessels, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. The U.S. re-designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on March 4, 2025. The current U.S. military operation is the largest in the Middle East since President Trump assumed office, aiming to compel the Houthis to cease their attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea.

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on January 10, 2024, condemning "in the strongest terms" the multiple attacks by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen, which have disrupted global trade and raised fears of further spillover from the war in Gaza. The resolution demands that the Houthis immediately cease all such attacks and release the Galaxy Leader and its crew.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. The U.S. has stated that military actions will continue until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping lanes. The Houthis, in turn, have vowed to continue their operations, raising concerns about the potential for a prolonged conflict and its impact on regional stability and global trade.