Tue Mar 18 17:31:55 UTC 2025: ## US Strikes Yemen After Houthi Attacks on US Warships; Protests Erupt
**Washington/Sanaa, March 18, 2025** – The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen following a series of attacks on US warships in the Red Sea. The Houthis, an Iran-backed group, claimed responsibility for three attacks on US naval vessels within 48 hours, the latest targeting the USS Harry S. Truman. A US defense official dismissed these claims as disinformation, stating that the Houthi attacks missed their targets by a significant margin.
The US strikes, which began Saturday, March 15th, have killed at least 53 people and wounded 98, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry. The Pentagon confirmed striking 30 targets as part of an ongoing campaign aimed at halting Houthi attacks on shipping. President Donald Trump vowed to hold Iran accountable, stating that any Houthi attack would be considered an act of aggression by Iran.
The US strikes sparked widespread protests across Yemen, with tens of thousands demonstrating against both the US and Israel in Sanaa and other cities, chanting “Death to America, death to Israel!” These protests followed Israel’s recent strikes on Gaza, which resulted in over 400 reported deaths. The Houthis condemned the Israeli actions and pledged to escalate their own operations in solidarity with Hamas.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the Houthis are a creation of Iran, emphasizing Iran’s responsibility for the conflict. Iran, however, condemned the US strikes and denied involvement. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concern over the escalating tensions and the threat to international shipping. Houthi attacks have already forced many commercial vessels to take costly detours, disrupting the Red Sea trade route which typically carries about 12% of global shipping. The conflict has also raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2015.
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