In recent years, the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists have posed a significant threat in the Red Sea, targeting U.S. ships and disrupting legal commerce for nations engaged in maritime trade. During a public briefing at the Pentagon, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced that, under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Central Command launched a series of targeted attacks on key Houthi installations in Yemen on March 15, 2025. These operations aim to restore freedom of navigation and reaffirm American deterrence in the region.
According to Parnell, the U.S. Central Command initiated a series of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets to counter their ongoing attacks on military and commercial vessels. The Houthis have reportedly launched missiles and one-way attack drones at U.S. warships over 170 times and targeted commercial vessels 145 times since 2003. Parnell emphasized the need for a decisive response, stating, "We will continue to use overwhelming, lethal force against the terrorist Houthi targets until the U.S. achieves its goals." He further asserted that the operations would persist until the Houthis agree to cease their attacks on American personnel and vessels.
Parnell reiterated that there is a clear end-state to the operation, which hinges on the Houthis' willingness to stop their aggressive actions. "Firing at U.S. military personnel in the region is not a good way to end this conflict," he stated, underscoring the Houthis' choice to continue their assaults despite the potential for a peaceful resolution. This relentless campaign aims to degrade Houthi capabilities and ensure the safety of shipping lanes vital for international trade.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the director for operations for the Joint Staff, elaborated on the precision strike operations that targeted over 30 locations associated with Houthi military infrastructure. These strikes aimed to degrade various Houthi capabilities, including terrorist training sites, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) infrastructure, and weapons manufacturing and storage facilities. Grynkewich highlighted the importance of these operations, stating that they also targeted command-and-control centers, including a compound housing senior Houthi UAV experts.
The military operations continued on March 16, 2025, with additional strikes on Houthi headquarters and weapons storage capabilities that have threatened maritime shipping. As of now, initial estimates suggest that Houthi military casualties may number in the dozens, although there have been no reports of civilian casualties resulting from the U.S. attacks. Grynkewich addressed claims made by the Houthis regarding their engagement with the USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, noting the difficulty in verifying such assertions due to the Houthis' previous inaccuracies in reporting.
In conclusion, the U.S. military operations in Yemen represent a critical effort to counter Houthi terrorism and protect international shipping routes. The commitment to restoring freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of American lives remains a top priority as the situation unfolds in the Red Sea.
