U.S. Central Command Launches Large-Scale Operation Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen (video)
On March 15, 2025, U.S. Central Command launched precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to protect American interests and restore maritime navigation freedom. This operation marks an escalation in U.S. efforts against Houthi aggression, following several recent attacks disrupting key shipping lanes. Further updates and assessments are pending.
hassan benyoub 
Tampa, Fla., March 15, 2025 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces initiated a broad offensive against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen today, Saturday, March 15, executing a series of precision strikes aimed at safeguarding American interests, deterring adversaries, and restoring freedom of navigation in critical maritime corridors. The operation, confirmed via an official CENTCOM post on X at 1:03 PM PDT, marks a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to counter Houthi aggression in the region.
Operation Details and Objectives
قوات #القيادة_المركزية_الأمريكية (#سنتكوم) تشن عملية واسعة النطاق ضد الحوثيين المدعومين من إيران في اليمن
في 15 مارس/آذار، بدأت القيادة المركزية الأمريكية سلسلة من العمليات التي شملت ضربات دقيقة ضد أهداف الحوثيين المدعومين من إيران في مختلف أنحاء اليمن، وذلك للدفاع عن المصالح… pic.twitter.com/yOGASY5DYl — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOMArabic) March 15, 2025
According to posts on X, including @CENTCOM’s announcement, the strikes targeted multiple Houthi-controlled sites, though specific locations and assets hit were not detailed as of 2:48 PM PDT. The operation follows a pattern of CENTCOM actions against the Houthis, who have disrupted Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes since November 2023 with drone and missile attacks, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Today’s strikes, described as “large-scale” by @Egypt73k at 2:01 PM PDT, aim to degrade Houthi capabilities threatening U.S. Navy and commercial vessels, a mission CENTCOM has pursued through near-weekly strikes since January.
The operation aligns with prior CENTCOM efforts, such as the January 8 strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities (USNI News) and December 31, 2024, attacks on Sana’a and coastal targets (Kurdistan24.net). Posts on X suggest involvement of U.S. Air Force and Navy assets, potentially including F/A-18 jets or B-2 bombers, as seen in October 2024 underground facility strikes (CENTCOM.mil).
Strategic Context
The timing coincides with heightened U.S. focus on security, evidenced by Trump’s travel restriction plans for 43 countries and Niger’s blacklist removal, reported earlier today. The Houthis’ recent claims of targeting USS Harry S. Truman on January 6 (unacknowledged by CENTCOM) may have prompted this robust response. Posts on X, like @Ars_ALSulimany’s at 1:32 PM PDT, emphasize the strikes’ role in protecting navigation freedom, a priority since Houthi attacks sank the MV Rubymar in February and killed crew on the True Confidence in March (VOA News).
Ongoing Developments
As of now, no official damage assessment or casualty reports have emerged, with CENTCOM’s X post promising updates. Houthi responses remain unconfirmed, though their pattern of retaliation—evident in past Red Sea drone swarms (Newsweek, March 9, 2024)—suggests potential counterattacks. The operation’s scale and timing, amidst Trump’s diplomatic push with Putin and Retailleau’s Algerian standoff, underscore a volatile global landscape driving gold past $3,000.
