The conflict in Yemen has entered a dangerous new phase as the United States carried out fresh airstrikes against Houthi targets on Monday. The escalation follows President Donald Trump’s vow to use “overwhelming lethal force” against the Iran-backed militant group until they cease their attacks on Red Sea shipping routes.
U.S. Airstrikes Intensify Amid Rising Tensions
The latest strikes targeted Hodeidah, a key Red Sea port city, and Al Jawf, north of the capital Sanaa, according to Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV. Over the weekend, American airstrikes reportedly killed at least 53 people, including women and children, and wounded nearly 100 others in various provinces, including the Houthi stronghold of Saada. However, these figures have not been independently verified.
The renewed military campaign comes after the Houthis resumed attacks on commercial vessels linked to Israel, citing retaliation for Tel Aviv’s decision to restrict humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Biden administration previously conducted joint U.S.-UK strikes on Houthi targets, but Monday’s attack marks the first unilateral U.S. operation under Trump’s second term.
Trump Vows to Hold Iran ‘Fully Accountable’
President Trump has directly blamed Tehran for its continued support of the Houthis, warning that the U.S. will hold Iran “fully accountable” for its allies’ actions. The Houthis, who have repeatedly targeted Red Sea shipping lanes, claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel continues its military operations against Hamas.
“We’re not going to let these people decide which ships can pass and which cannot,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview on CBS. “This will continue until they no longer have the ability to carry out these attacks.”
Houthis Respond with Missile Strikes on U.S. Warships
Following Saturday’s U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis retaliated by launching 18 missiles and a drone attack on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea.
In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi issued a stark warning:
“We will confront escalation with escalation. If the U.S. continues its aggression, we have additional options for escalation.”
He also vowed to target American military assets, including warships, aircraft, and bases in the region.
Iran Denies Direct Involvement, But U.S. Remains Unconvinced
Despite long-standing allegations of Iranian military support for the Houthis, Tehran has denied any direct involvement in the group’s recent attacks. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, insisted that Iran “plays no role in the Houthis’ operational decisions.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Washington to halt its military campaign, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the “U.S. cannot dictate Iran’s foreign policy.”
However, the U.S. Navy has previously intercepted Iranian-made missile parts and weaponry bound for Yemen, reinforcing claims that Iran has been supplying the Houthis with advanced military equipment.
What’s Next?
With both sides vowing further escalation, the Red Sea remains a volatile battleground. The U.S. and its allies are determined to protect international trade routes, while the Houthis insist they will continue targeting Israeli-linked vessels.
As tensions rise, the international community is watching closely, fearing that continued strikes could push the region into a wider conflict.