The death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen has risen to 53, according to the Houthi rebels’ health ministry. Among the dead were five children, while 98 people sustained injuries. The airstrikes targeted multiple Houthi positions in response to ongoing attacks on Red Sea shipping.
On Saturday, the United States launched what it called a “decisive and powerful” wave of missile strikes, citing the Houthi attacks on international vessels. The US government reported that key Houthi leaders were among the dead, although the claim is yet to be confirmed by the group. The Houthis, who control Sanaa and the northwestern regions of Yemen, maintain they will continue targeting US ships as long as American military action persists.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stated that his forces would retaliate against US military operations in the Red Sea, the group insisting its attacks are in support of Palestinians and in opposition to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The Houthis claim to have targeted only vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK, but Western officials have challenged this assertion.
Reports indicate that additional missile attacks hit Houthi positions in Al Jaouf and Hudaydah early Monday. The Pentagon has not yet issued a statement regarding these latest strikes. Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz emphasized that the offensive specifically targeted senior Houthi leaders. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to an “unrelenting” military campaign until Houthi attacks on international vessels cease.
President Donald Trump stated that the US military would deploy “overwhelming lethal force” against Houthi forces and accused them of engaging in piracy and endangering global trade. He addressed the Houthis directly, warning them of severe consequences if their attacks continued.
Iran, a key backer of the Houthis, condemned the airstrikes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected US involvement in the region, calling for an end to American support for Israel. Iran has also accused the US of violating Yemen’s sovereignty and escalating tensions in the area.
The United Nations has urged restraint, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen. The conflict continues to draw international concern as both sides escalate military actions in the Red Sea and beyond.
