US Intensifies Airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Key Developments
Suspected US Strikes Kill Four Near Hodeida
-
Overnight airstrikes believed to be launched by the United States struck rebel-held areas in Yemen, including a “water project” in Hodeida’s Mansuriyah District, reportedly killing four civilians.
-
Additional strikes were reported in the Hajjah, Saada, and Sanaa governorates.
Heavy US Bombing Campaign Underway
-
The US has conducted over 200 airstrikes as of Tuesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
-
Targets reportedly include missile units, rebel leadership, and infrastructure linked to Houthi naval attacks.
-
The campaign is linked to efforts to pressure Iran over its nuclear program and respond to Houthi threats against regional shipping following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Deployment of B-2 Bombers to Diego Garcia
-
Satellite imagery confirms the rare deployment of six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to Camp Thunder Bay on Diego Garcia.
-
This represents nearly one-third of the US’s total B-2 fleet and signals a significant escalation in regional posturing.
USS Truman Leads Operations
-
The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier is conducting the majority of strikes, facing what the Navy calls the “most intense combat since WWII”.
-
The USS Carl Vinson is en route to reinforce operations.
-
The Pentagon also announced upcoming deployments of additional squadrons and air assets.
Houthi Retaliation and Casualties
-
The Houthis continue to launch attacks on US naval vessels and claim to have shot down another MQ-9 Reaper drone.
-
According to Houthi-released figures, at least 65 people have been killed in the strikes so far.
-
Despite US claims of successful high-level strikes, the Houthis deny any leadership losses.
Strategic Implications
Show of Force Toward Iran
-
The Trump administration is positioning the strikes as part of a broader strategy to weaken Iranian influence in the region.
-
Use of nuclear-capable B-2 bombers also serves as a deterrent against potential Iranian escalation, especially involving underground nuclear facilities.
Shipping Threats and Houthi Aggression
-
Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 commercial vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors.
-
The attacks are largely motivated by solidarity with Gaza and Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid.
The US’s intensified military campaign in Yemen marks a significant escalation in both its regional military footprint and its confrontation with Iranian-backed forces. The rare deployment of stealth bombers and the scale of airstrikes signal a shift from limited counterattacks to a broader strategy of attrition and deterrence. With Houthi retaliation ongoing and tensions with Iran rising, the conflict shows no immediate sign of de-escalation.
