US Continues strikes on Yemen’s Houthis amid growing tensions over shipping attacks

U.S. Central Command confirmed on March 16 that American forces are continuing operations against Yemen`s Houthi group. Washington has vowed to keep striking until the Houthis stop attacking shipping. A video released by the U.S. military shows fighter jets taking off from an undisclosed location, though Reuters could not verify the video`s date or location. On March 17, Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV reported that the U.S. launched two airstrikes on Hodeidah. In response, the Houthis warned they might escalate their attacks in retaliation for the U.S. airstrikes on March 15. President Trump announced a "decisive and powerful" military response against the Houthis on March 15, accusing them of piracy, violence, and terrorism targeting American assets. Trump said, "I’ve ordered the U.S. Military to take decisive action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen, who have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American and other ships, aircraft, and drones." Trump also emphasized that the U.S. would use "overwhelming lethal force" against the Houthis, citing their actions as harmful to global trade by choking transportation routes like the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, and violating the principle of Freedom of Navigation. These airstrikes, which the Houthi-run health ministry claims killed at least 53 people, are the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office. A U.S. official said the campaign could last for weeks. The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for years, have launched numerous attacks on shipping since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in late 2023, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza.