Yemen’s Houthis and US Exchange Attacks Amid Rising Red Sea Tensions

March 17, 2025 – Yemen/United States – Tensions in the Red Sea have escalated once again as Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the United States continue to exchange attacks. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for targeting a US naval vessel, stating that it was an act of retaliation for American military strikes on Yemen. Meanwhile, the US insists that it will continue to target the Yemeni group until the threat to Red Sea shipping is withdrawn.

Houthi Attack on US Naval Vessels

A spokesperson for the Houthis announced on Monday that fighters launched a significant assault on US naval forces, firing 18 missiles and a drone at the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships. The attack marks the second strike claimed by the Iran-aligned group in the past 24 hours, further intensifying hostilities in the region.

The recent surge in violence follows last week’s declaration by the Houthis that they would resume targeting Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea. The group cited Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza as the reason for its renewed maritime campaign. In response, the US launched large-scale strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of dozens and injuring many more.

In a statement shared via Telegram, the Houthi spokesperson said the attack on US forces was “in retaliation to the continued American aggression against our country.” The US military has yet to officially respond to the claimed attack, but the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released a video on X (formerly Twitter) stating that its "forces continue operations against Iran-backed Houthi terrorists."

US Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties

In retaliation for the recent Houthi aggression, US airstrikes have reportedly intensified across Yemen. According to the Houthi-backed SABA news agency, two new air raids were carried out early Monday around the port city of Hodeidah, approximately 230km (143 miles) from the capital, Sanaa.

Local authorities cited by SABA also reported that US forces targeted a cancer facility under construction in the city of Saada on Sunday. The airstrike caused “widespread destruction,” although exact casualty figures have not been independently verified.

The Houthis control much of Yemen, which remains the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country. The group has maintained a campaign against Red Sea shipping for over 18 months in protest against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The attacks have had a significant impact on global trade, forcing a large number of shipping vessels to reroute around Africa instead of passing through the Suez Canal, leading to increased costs and delays in international trade. Background on Red Sea Shipping Threat

Initially, the Houthis halted their attacks on shipping when a Gaza ceasefire was declared in January 2025. However, citing Israel’s renewed blockade on Gaza, the group announced last week that it was “resuming the ban on the passage of all Israeli ships” through the Red Sea.

The US, under President Donald Trump, responded with decisive military action. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, President Trump ordered the US military to strike Houthi positions in Yemen. According to Reuters, these attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 53 people, with many more injured. Reports indicate that most of the victims were women and children. The strikes primarily targeted Saada province, a Houthi stronghold located north of Sanaa.

Impact on Global Oil Markets

The ongoing hostilities have also affected global oil prices, with traders closely monitoring the developments in the Red Sea. As of Monday, Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil, rose 41 cents (0.6%) to $70.99 per barrel following news of the recent attacks. Market analysts warn that prolonged instability in the Red Sea region could lead to further fluctuations in oil prices and impact global supply chains.

Looking Ahead

With tensions between the US and the Houthis escalating, analysts warn that continued conflict could lead to further instability in the region. The Red Sea remains a crucial maritime route for global trade, and any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching economic consequences.

As both sides brace for further confrontations, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation remain uncertain. The US has made it clear that it will not halt its military actions until the Houthis cease their attacks on Red Sea shipping, while the Houthis remain resolute in their stance against what they perceive as American and Israeli aggression.

For now, the conflict shows no signs of resolution, leaving the international community on high alert.