Huthis Claim US Warplanes Conducted 17 Strikes in Yemen

SANAA, 26 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Huthi media in Yemen reported on Wednesday that at least 17 airstrikes were carried out in the Saada and Amran regions, with the rebel group blaming the United States for the attacks.

The Ansarollah website, associated with the Huthi rebels, stated that US warplanes conducted "aggressive air raids" that caused significant damage to civilian property, although it did not provide any details on casualties.

The United States had announced a military campaign against the Iranian-backed Huthis on 15 March, vowing to use overwhelming force until the group ceased firing on vessels in the vital maritime trade routes of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

That same day, a series of US airstrikes took place, reportedly killing several senior Huthi leaders. The Huthis’ health ministry later stated that 53 people were killed in the raids, although the US did not confirm these numbers.

Since then, the Huthi-controlled areas in Yemen have seen frequent airstrikes, which the rebels have attributed to the US. In retaliation, the Huthis have claimed to have targeted US military ships and also issued threats against Israel.

The Huthis had initially escalated attacks on commercial vessels following the outbreak of the Gaza war, stating their actions were in solidarity with Palestinians. However, they suspended these operations after a ceasefire was put in place in Gaza in January.

Earlier this month, the group threatened to resume its assault on the key shipping routes in protest against Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, prompting the first US strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump assumed office in January.

Last week, Trump issued a stark warning, stating that the US would "annihilate" the Huthis if they continued their attacks and also cautioned Iran against further supporting the rebel group.