US President Donald Trump said the US military intends to continue attacks on Houthi positions in Yemen for an extended period of time. He made the announcement in a speech on March 27, 2025, underscoring Washington's determination to crush the threat posed by the insurgency. He said the operation is aimed at protecting US interests and restoring shipping safety in the Red Sea, where the Houthis have been attacking commercial and military vessels for months. Trump did not provide a timeline but made it clear the campaign would be systematic and sustained.

Meanwhile, Yemeni sources confirm that the US has already launched large-scale strikes on Houthi targets across the country, with a particular focus on the capital Sanaa, which has been under rebel control since 2014. Locals have reported powerful explosions at night, and the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health has reported dozens of deaths and injuries in the attacks. The strikes have hit military warehouses, command posts and air defense systems, indicating that US forces are seeking to weaken the group's combat capabilities.

Since mid-March, U.S. air and naval forces have struck more than 60 targets in Yemen, including radars, missile launchers and drone production facilities, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The campaign began on March 15, when Trump ordered “robust and forceful action” against the Houthis, accusing them of piracy and terrorism. The primary goal is said to be protecting key shipping lanes through which much of the world’s trade passes. The Houthis, for their part, claim that their actions in the Red Sea are in support of the Palestinians in their war with Israel, but their attacks have hit vessels unrelated to the Gaza conflict.

The conflict in Yemen has escalated since Trump took office in January 2025. While the previous administration of Joe Biden limited itself to targeted strikes, the current tactics involve more intense pressure. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed in an interview with Reuters on March 17 that attacks would continue until the Houthis stopped attacking ships. In response, the rebels fired 18 missiles and drones at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, their most brazen counterattack yet. No damage to the ship has been confirmed, but the incident underscores the Houthis’ determination to fight back.