The Houthis claim their attacks on shipping are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza

New York, N.Y. (SR) — The United States military has carried out more than 800 airstrikes against Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen since March 15, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Houthi fighters and several of the group’s leaders, according to statements from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and corroborated by multiple sources. The campaign, ordered by President Donald Trump, represents one of the most sustained and intensive U.S. military operations in the region in recent years.

Background and Objectives

The U.S. air campaign began on March 15, targeting radar installations, air defenses, ballistic missile and drone launch sites, and command-and-control facilities used by the Houthis to attack commercial shipping in the Red Sea and, reportedly, Israel. 

The Houthis, an Iran-backed armed group, have escalated attacks on maritime shipping since the start of 2025, prompting U.S. intervention aimed at degrading the group’s military capabilities and reducing the threat to international trade routes.

CENTCOM spokesperson Dave Eastburn stated that the strikes have destroyed advanced weapons manufacturing and storage facilities, air defense systems, and killed “hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders.” He added that open sources report over 650 Houthi casualties, though independent verification of combatant versus civilian deaths remains challenging.

Timeline and Escalation

The initial wave of strikes on March 15 targeted more than 30 locations, including training centers and facilities associated with senior Houthi drone specialists. Over the following weeks, U.S. forces expanded operations to include strikes on Houthi military bases, underground facilities, and communication infrastructure in multiple governorates, including Sanaa, Saada, Hajjah, and Amran.

On March 28 alone, at least 44 airstrikes were reported, with CENTCOM confirming attacks on new Houthi bases and ammunition depots. Strikes continued almost daily, with notable incidents such as the April 18 bombing of the Ras Isa fuel terminal, which killed at least 74 people and injured 171, marking the deadliest single U.S. attack in Yemen to date.

Impact and Civilian Casualties

While CENTCOM emphasizes the degradation of Houthi military capabilities, the civilian toll has drawn increasing scrutiny. Houthi-controlled health authorities report over 250 deaths since March 15, including women and children, and more than 136 injured. On April 17, a strike on a migrant detention center in Saada reportedly killed at least 68 African migrants, according to Houthi and international media reports.

The U.S. has not publicly addressed the extent of civilian casualties, maintaining that operational details remain restricted for security reasons. Human rights groups and international observers have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the campaign, especially as strikes have hit areas with significant civilian populations and infrastructure.

Strategic Outcomes

CENTCOM claims the air campaign has significantly reduced the Houthis’ operational tempo. Ballistic missile launches have reportedly dropped by 69%, and drone attacks by 55%, since the start of U.S. operations. Despite these figures, the Houthis continue to launch attacks, and the overall effectiveness of the campaign in deterring the group remains under debate.

The strikes are part of a broader U.S. effort to pressure Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, into negotiating a new nuclear agreement. Congressional officials report that the campaign has cost well over $1 billion to date.

Ongoing Operations

U.S. officials have stated that air operations will persist as long as the threat to maritime shipping remains. “We are methodical in our operational strategy but will not divulge specifics about our actions,” CENTCOM noted, underscoring the ongoing and evolving nature of the campaign.

The Houthis, for their part, claim their attacks on shipping are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The conflict in Yemen thus remains deeply intertwined with broader regional tensions, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as the air campaign endures.

U.S. Confirms 800 Yemen Strikes, Hundreds of Houthis Killed (April 29, 2025)

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Tags: Yemen, U.S. military, Houthi, airstrikes, civilian casualties, Red Sea, Iran, Trump administration, CENTCOM, Middle East, international shipping, conflict