At least 10 U.S. strikes targeted areas in Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, Yemen’s Houthi media reported early on Wednesday (March 19).

Yemen’s Houthi rebels say the number of dead rose to 53.

The U.S. released video on Tuesday (March 18) said to be of its continued operations against the Houthi rebel group. The video showed fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier at an unidentified location, and missiles being fired into the air. Reuters was not able to independently verify the location or the date when the video was filmed.

U.S. Strikes on Houthi Rebels: Missiles and Fighter Jets Launched Amid Escalating Conflict

The United States has intensified airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, launching missiles and fighter jet attacks as part of an ongoing military campaign aimed at countering threats to international shipping and regional security. The latest escalation comes after repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes and U.S. military assets.

Key Developments in the U.S. Strikes on Houthi Rebels

1. U.S. Fighter Jets and Cruise Missiles Target Houthi Positions

  • U.S. military forces launched airstrikes using advanced fighter jets and long-range missiles to hit Houthi targets in Sanaa, Hodeidah, and other strategic locations in Yemen.
  • Strikes targeted missile launch sites, drone storage facilities, and command centers used by the Houthis to conduct attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
  • According to Pentagon sources, multiple Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from U.S. warships in the region, delivering precision strikes on Houthi military infrastructure.

2. Houthi Rebels Retaliate With Drone and Missile Attacks

  • The Houthis responded by launching missile and drone attacks on U.S. and allied vessels in the Red Sea.
  • Saudi Arabia and UAE air defenses intercepted multiple incoming missiles, preventing damage to commercial and military targets.
  • The Iran-backed Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks, claiming that U.S. intervention is escalating tensions in the region.

3. U.S. Justifies Strikes as Defensive Measures

  • The Biden administration has defended the airstrikes, stating that they are necessary to protect global shipping and ensure regional stability.
  • U.S. officials argue that Houthi attacks threaten international trade and pose a direct security risk to allied forces in the Middle East.
  • The Pentagon emphasized that these strikes were conducted to degrade the Houthis’ military capabilities and prevent further aggression.

4. Regional and International Response

  • Iran has condemned the U.S. attacks, calling them an act of aggression against Yemen and a violation of sovereignty.
  • Russia and China have criticized the escalation, warning that continued military action could further destabilize the Middle East.
  • The United Nations has expressed concern, urging all parties to seek a diplomatic resolution to prevent a wider conflict.

5. Impact on Red Sea Shipping and Global Trade

  • Houthi attacks on shipping routes have disrupted global trade, forcing major shipping companies to reroute vessels to avoid conflict zones.
  • Oil prices have surged due to fears of instability in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint.
  • The U.S. Navy has increased patrols in the region, deploying additional warships to safeguard international waters.

What Happens Next?

  • U.S. and allied forces are likely to continue military operations if Houthi attacks persist.
  • Diplomatic efforts may intensify to prevent an all-out regional war involving Iran and other Middle Eastern powers.
  • The Pentagon has hinted at a potential expansion of airstrikes, depending on future Houthi aggression.

 

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