The U.S. military carried out 15 airstrikes on Friday against Houthi-linked targets in Yemen, according to Central Command. The strikes, which took place around 1400 GMT, targeted offensive military capabilities connected to the Iran-aligned Houthis, who have been responsible for nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November. Among the areas struck were military outposts near al-Bayda province, the capital Sanaa, and Hodeidah airport. The Houthis claim their assaults are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
A Broader Response to Red Sea Attacks
The strikes are part of the Biden administration’s efforts to defend against increasing Houthi attacks in the region. The U.S. has been intercepting drones and missiles launched by the Houthis targeting commercial vessels and U.S. warships. While the administration has mostly engaged defensively, it has also struck Houthi military infrastructure to contain the fallout from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, but broader targets in Yemen have been avoided to minimize escalation.
Rising Aggression in the Red Sea
Since November, the Houthis have intensified their aggression in the Red Sea, seizing ships, sinking two vessels, and killing at least four seafarers. These actions have led to increased tension in the region, with Central Command acknowledging that the recent strikes aimed to neutralize further Houthi offensive capabilities, though they did not specify whether missile, drone, or radar systems were included.
Strategic Locations Hit
Airstrikes reportedly targeted several areas including military installations in Sanaa, Hodeidah airport, Dhamar city, and al-Bayda province. Al Masirah TV, the Houthi-run outlet, confirmed the strikes across Yemen. In response, residents in al-Bayda indicated that military outposts were among the key locations hit by U.S. forces.
U.S. Approach to Houthi Aggression
The Biden administration has taken a mostly defensive approach to the Houthis’ increasing attacks, often focusing on intercepting their drone and missile launches. By targeting their offensive military infrastructure, the U.S. aims to neutralize Houthi capabilities while avoiding broad escalations in Yemen, a country already devastated by years of conflict. Despite these efforts, the situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, with the risk of further disruptions to global shipping routes and regional stability.
Impact on Global Security
The Houthi’s alignment with Iran and their role in the broader Yemen conflict adds a layer of complexity to the U.S.’s military strategy in the region. With the Red Sea being a vital shipping lane for global commerce, these repeated attacks pose a significant threat to international trade and maritime security. The Biden administration’s measured response seeks to balance the need for defensive actions while minimizing broader geopolitical fallout.
As the U.S. ramps up its military response to Houthi aggression, the ongoing strikes in Yemen highlight the rising tensions in the region. The Houthis’ continued attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza further complicate the situation, with the U.S. trying to mitigate the conflict’s spillover effects on global shipping and regional security.
