U.S. Conducts Precision Airstrikes on Houthi Facilities in Yemen Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The United States military carried out precision airstrikes on Saturday targeting key facilities operated by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen's capital, Sana’a. These strikes were aimed at disrupting Houthi military operations that threaten international shipping and regional security, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The operation focused on a missile storage facility and a command-and-control center in Sana’a, critical to Houthi military capabilities. CENTCOM confirmed that the strikes were intended to degrade Houthi activities, including attacks on U.S. Navy vessels and commercial ships in the southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Additionally, the U.S. reported destroying multiple Houthi one-way drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding U.S. and coalition personnel, regional allies, and vital international shipping routes.

Saturday’s airstrikes follow a similar operation last week targeting a Houthi command-and-control facility. The recent strikes come amid a broader escalation in the region, with Houthi forces launching attacks on commercial shipping and missiles at Israel.

On the same day as the U.S. airstrikes, a Houthi missile struck Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub, injuring 16 people. This marked the second such attack in recent days, intensifying tensions across the Middle East.

Israel has also conducted retaliatory strikes, targeting ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The Houthis claim their actions, including attacks on shipping, are part of their solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

In response to the heightened threat, the U.S. is rallying international support to empower the United Nations with greater authority to intercept ships heading to Houthi-controlled ports. This move aims to weaken the Houthis’ operational capabilities and reduce their regional influence.

The Biden administration is reportedly considering re-designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, a designation previously lifted in 2021. While such a move could complicate humanitarian efforts in Houthi-controlled regions, it underscores the growing urgency to curtail the group’s military aggression.

The ongoing conflict involving the Houthis highlights the interconnectedness of regional security challenges, including the role of Iranian influence in Yemen. The U.S., alongside its allies, is doubling down on efforts to ensure the safety of maritime routes and protect regional partners.

As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, balancing the need for robust countermeasures against concerns over humanitarian consequences in Yemen.