Houthis Say US Strikes Killed 53, Claim Retaliatory Attacks

Houthi rebels said that over the weekend, US airstrikes in Yemen led to at least 53 fatalities, including children, amidst Houthi attacks on critical shipping lanes.

Key Takeaways

US airstrikes over the weekend in Yemen reportedly resulted in 53 fatalities.
Houthi rebels claimed retaliatory attacks on a US aircraft carrier group.
The UN has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The conflict has severely impacted Red Sea shipping lanes.
The US intends to continue military operations, with Marco Rubio saying it will protect global trade security.

US Airstrikes and Their Impact

The Houthi health ministry said US forces conducted large-scale airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen over the weekend, resulting in 53 casualties, including several children. These military actions were reportedly directed at neutralizing Houthi leadership following their repeated attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Despite these assaults and the US reporting several key individuals dead, the Houthis have yet to report any significant losses among their leadership.

The strikes are part of a broader US strategy aimed at curtailing Houthi aggression and securing freedom of navigation in vital international waterways. The Trump administration has vowed to sustain these operations until a conclusive halt to Houthi hostilities is achieved. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the mission’s goal is to eliminate threats to global shipping.

The Houthi-run Health Ministry said the overnight U.S. strikes killed at least 53 people, including five women and two children. https://t.co/ihfIyIwneW

— Alaska's News Source (@AKNewsNow) March 17, 2025

Houthi Response and Retaliation

In response to the US airstrikes, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they attacked an American aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours. The Houthis reportedly launched 18 missiles and deployed a drone against the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying vessels. This highlights the ongoing tensions and risks of further escalation in the region, although the attacks were reportedly unsuccessful.

Broader Houthi offensive activities have significantly disrupted the Red Sea trade routes, affecting maritime commerce on a global scale. The United Nations has urgently called for both sides to cease military activities and engage in dialogue to avert further humanitarian crises.

International Reactions and Future Implications

Iran has vehemently condemned the US military actions in Yemen, arguing against Washington’s interventionist policies. The Iranian leadership also expressed solidarity with the Houthis, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict. Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz confirmed the continuation of operations targeting Houthi positions as a strategic measure to safeguard international trade routes.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Yemen, prompting international calls for a sustainable resolution to the crisis. The strategic location of Yemen’s Red Sea coast makes it critical for global trade, and its instability poses a considerable threat to maritime security. The situation remains volatile, with both regional and international stakeholders monitoring developments closely.