U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have killed at least two people overnight in a Houthi rebel stronghold, according to Houthi officials, marking the latest development in Operation Rough Rider.
The strikes, targeting the northern province of Saada, resulted in two deaths and nine injuries, while earlier attacks in the capital city of Sanaa claimed four lives, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.
Former President Donald Trump shared evidence of the military operation’s impact through a video showing an explosion involving over 70 people. “They will never sink our ships again!” Trump declared, suggesting the strike targeted individuals planning attacks on U.S. vessels.
The U.S. military campaign, which began on March 15, 2025, represents an escalation in American strategy against Houthi forces. Between November 2023 and January 2024, the Houthis conducted over 100 attacks on merchant vessels, resulting in two ships sunk and four sailors killed.
The Houthi attacks were launched in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict, specifically protesting Israel’s blockade of Gaza. This stance has contributed to mounting regional tensions, particularly between the United States and Iran, which provides support to the Houthi forces.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with the Houthi-run health ministry reporting at least 53 civilians killed and 98 wounded since the beginning of Operation Rough Rider. The deployment of stealth B-2 bombers signals an intensified U.S. military presence in the region.
As tensions persist, the broader implications for regional stability and international shipping through vital waterways remain uncertain. The U.S. maintains its commitment to protecting maritime commerce while the Houthis show no signs of abandoning their campaign of attacks.