Washington Vows Continued Military Action Until Houthi Attacks on Shipping Cease

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to striking Yemen’s Houthi forces until they halt attacks on international shipping, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on 16 March. His remarks come as the Iran-aligned group signals possible retaliation following a series of US air strikes that reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties.

Heightened Tensions in the Region
The air strikes, which Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Health Ministry claims killed at least 53 people, mark the most extensive US military campaign in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January. A US official, speaking to Reuters, suggested that the operation could extend for several weeks.

On 16 March, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned that his forces would target US naval assets in the Red Sea if the military campaign continued. “If aggression persists, escalation will follow,” he declared in a televised address.

The Houthis have labelled the US-led strikes a “war crime,” while Russia has urged Washington to halt its military operations.

Missile and Drone Threats
The Houthis claim to have launched ballistic missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships in the Red Sea. However, according to a US official, none of the 11 Houthi drones intercepted on 16 March came close to their intended targets.

Defence Secretary Hegseth defended the US response, stating on Fox News: “The Houthis must stop firing at our ships. Until they do, our campaign will continue relentlessly. This is about securing a vital waterway and ensuring freedom of navigation.”

Iran’s Involvement and Global Reactions
The Houthis have controlled large parts of Yemen for nearly a decade and have threatened to attack Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea if aid to Gaza remains restricted.

President Trump directly called on Iran to cease its backing of the Houthis, warning that any threats against the US would be met with severe consequences: “If Iran continues its support, they will be held fully accountable.”

National Security Adviser Michael Waltz confirmed that the air strikes had specifically targeted senior Houthi leaders. He also indicated that Iran’s military advisors and support infrastructure assisting the Houthis could become potential targets.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged restraint, cautioning that continued military escalation could worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.

Civilian Casualties and Ongoing Conflict
Reports from Houthi-controlled sources indicate that among the 53 fatalities from US air strikes were five children and two women, with nearly 100 others injured. The Pentagon has yet to comment on these claims, which Reuters has not independently verified.

In Sanaa, rescue workers searched through debris following the strikes, with residents describing the impact as “earthquake-like.” Military sites in Taiz were also reportedly targeted.

Disruptions to Global Trade
Houthi assaults on shipping lanes have significantly disrupted international trade, forcing the US military into an extensive and costly operation to intercept missiles and drones.

Though the Houthis briefly halted attacks during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, they recently reaffirmed their intention to target Israeli-linked vessels unless humanitarian aid to Gaza is restored.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Yemen remains a focal point of geopolitical conflict, with the risk of broader regional escalation looming.