US launches large-scale air strikes on Yemen's Houthis over Red Sea shipping attacks
US President Donald Trump ordered large-scale air strikes on Houthi-held areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, on 15 March 2025, vowing 'overwhelming lethal force' until the Iran-backed group stops attacking shipping.
Summary
On 15 March 2025, US President Donald Trump ordered a series of air strikes on Houthi-held areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, saying US forces were targeting the group's bases, leaders and missile defences to restore freedom of navigation. He promised 'overwhelming lethal force' until the Iran-backed Houthis stopped attacking shipping in the Red Sea corridor, and warned Iran to end its support for them. The Houthis had begun attacking military and commercial ships after the Israel–Hamas war started in October 2023. A US official said the operation was conducted solely by the United States; it was the first strike on the Houthis under Trump's second administration.
Key facts
- Date
- 15 March 2025
- Ordered by
- US President Donald Trump
- Target
- Houthi-held areas incl. Sanaa
- Reason
- Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since October 2023
- Warning
- Iran told to stop backing the Houthis
- Note
- First US strike on Houthis in Trump's second term
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The US air strikes ordered by President Trump on 15 March 2025 targeted which group in Yemen?
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Correct answer: B — Houthis
Trump ordered strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over their attacks on shipping.
Which city, struck by US air strikes on 15 March 2025, is the capital of Yemen held by the Houthis?
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Correct answer: C — Sanaa
Trump said he ordered strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.
Consider the following statements about the US strikes on Yemen's Houthis on 15 March 2025: 1. The Houthis had begun attacking military and commercial ships after the Israel–Hamas war started in October 2023. 2. The operation was carried out jointly by the US and the UK. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (AP). Statement 2 is wrong: a US official said the 15 March operation was conducted solely by the United States.