Mon Mar 17 11:48:03 UTC 2025: ## US Launches Major Airstrikes on Yemen, Escalating Tensions in Red Sea
**Dubai, March 17, 2025** – The United States carried out a new wave of airstrikes on Yemen on Monday, targeting the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate, according to the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. This marks an escalation of the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. The strikes, which a US official indicated could last for weeks, follow a series of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since November 2023.
The Houthi Health Ministry spokesperson reported at least 53 deaths, including five children and two women, and 98 injuries as a result of the US airstrikes. In response, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed to continue targeting US ships in the Red Sea as long as the US continues its attacks on Yemen. The Houthi political bureau denounced the US actions as a war crime, a sentiment echoed by Moscow, which urged Washington to halt the strikes.
Further escalating the situation, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a second attack against the USS Harry S. Truman, although no evidence was provided. The group also reiterated their threat to resume attacks on Israeli ships if Israel does not lift its blockade on aid to Gaza.
President Trump directly warned Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, to cease its support for the group, threatening decisive action if Iran threatens the US. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, responded by stating that the Houthis make their own decisions, but warned of a destructive response to any further threats against Iran. The ongoing conflict has significantly disrupted global commerce and strained US air defenses. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation.
First Piper 