**US Central Command reported over 800 assaults on the Houthi movement in Yemen since March 15, citing significant casualties and ongoing operations to protect shipping lanes.**
**US Intensifies Strikes on Houthi Targets; Over 800 Attacks Reported**
**US Intensifies Strikes on Houthi Targets; Over 800 Attacks Reported**
**Military Actions Aim to Mitigate Houthi Threat to Maritime Security**
In a significant escalation of military engagement, the US military announced it has conducted over 800 targeted strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen since March 15. The operations, outlined in a Sunday statement from US Central Command, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Houthi fighters and several key leaders, emphasizing Washington's commitment to countering threats posed by the Houthis to shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
In response to these aggressive measures, the Houthis have reported severe civilian casualties, including a recent strike on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, which they claim resulted in at least eight deaths, including women and children. The Houthi-run health ministry in the past week disputed US accounts, asserting that earlier strikes on their coastal territories claimed 74 lives and injured 171 individuals.
The Houthi leadership declared that their military efforts are primarily aimed at opposing Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, alleging that their attacks on maritime vessels are selective and not aimed at other nations. However, their activities recently escalated, leading to attacks on merchant ships that have resulted in casualties and vessel seizures in the region.
Former President Trump had earlier mandated widespread strikes against Houthi-controlled areas, stating intentions to eliminate the group entirely, while simultaneously issuing warnings to Iran against supporting the Houthis — a connection that Tehran denies. Despite international military presence in the region, including previous US airstrikes ordered by President Biden, the Houthis have demonstrated resilience in their operations.
The long-standing civil war in Yemen has created a humanitarian crisis, leading to over 150,000 deaths and displacing millions since the Houthis initially seized control of large portions of the country over a decade ago. The conflict has drawn in regional powers, with the US-backed Saudi coalition attempting to reinstate the Yemeni government. Currently, about half of Yemen's population requires some form of humanitarian assistance as the nation grapples with the consequences of sustained warfare.
In response to these aggressive measures, the Houthis have reported severe civilian casualties, including a recent strike on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, which they claim resulted in at least eight deaths, including women and children. The Houthi-run health ministry in the past week disputed US accounts, asserting that earlier strikes on their coastal territories claimed 74 lives and injured 171 individuals.
The Houthi leadership declared that their military efforts are primarily aimed at opposing Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, alleging that their attacks on maritime vessels are selective and not aimed at other nations. However, their activities recently escalated, leading to attacks on merchant ships that have resulted in casualties and vessel seizures in the region.
Former President Trump had earlier mandated widespread strikes against Houthi-controlled areas, stating intentions to eliminate the group entirely, while simultaneously issuing warnings to Iran against supporting the Houthis — a connection that Tehran denies. Despite international military presence in the region, including previous US airstrikes ordered by President Biden, the Houthis have demonstrated resilience in their operations.
The long-standing civil war in Yemen has created a humanitarian crisis, leading to over 150,000 deaths and displacing millions since the Houthis initially seized control of large portions of the country over a decade ago. The conflict has drawn in regional powers, with the US-backed Saudi coalition attempting to reinstate the Yemeni government. Currently, about half of Yemen's population requires some form of humanitarian assistance as the nation grapples with the consequences of sustained warfare.
