Donald Trump ordered US army to attack Yemen, 53 Muslims killed so far

 

US Escalates Yemen Strikes: "Unrelenting" Force Against Houthis, Rising Civilian Toll

The United States has intensified its military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, vowing to maintain "unrelenting" airstrikes until the group ceases its attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. This escalation, ordered by President Donald Trump, has resulted in a rising civilian death toll and heightened regional tensions.  

Trump's "Overwhelming Lethal Force"

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, President Trump authorized a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi-held areas in Yemen. He declared his intention to utilize "overwhelming lethal force" to safeguard American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to ensure the freedom of navigation in vital maritime corridors.  

"Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom," Trump stated in a social media post. "No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World."  

"Unrelenting" Campaign and Rising Casualties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on CBS News' "Face the Nation," reinforced the administration's stance, asserting that U.S. strikes on Yemen will persist until the Houthis are incapable of attacking global shipping and the U.S. Navy.  

The Houthis reported civilian casualties in the capital, Sanaa, following the initial strikes. The Houthi-run health ministry later announced a significant increase in the death toll, reporting 53 fatalities, including five children and two women, and 98 injuries. Anees Alsbahi, the spokesperson, released this information on X.

Regional Condemnation and Houthi Response

The Houthi rebels have vowed that the strikes "will not pass without response," signaling a potential escalation of hostilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. actions, criticizing the civilian deaths and stating that Washington has "no authority" to dictate its foreign policy.  

Context and Justification

The U.S. justification for these strikes centers on the Houthis' repeated attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea, a critical shipping lane. The administration argues that these attacks pose a direct threat to international trade and maritime security.  

Implications and Future Outlook

The intensified U.S. military action in Yemen raises concerns about the potential for further civilian casualties and a wider regional conflict. The Houthis' pledge to retaliate, coupled with Iranian condemnation, suggests that the situation remains highly volatile. The long-term implications of this escalation for regional stability and the future of the Yemeni conflict remain uncertain