The United States military has confirmed the execution of airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen on December 21, 2024. These airstrikes, carried out by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted missile storage facilities and command-and-control sites located within the capital, Sanaa.
CENTCOM stated the rationale behind the strikes was to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, particularly those threatening U.S. Navy warships and international merchant vessels operating within strategic shipping lanes such as the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden. A spokesperson remarked, "The strike reflects CENTCOM'songoing commitment to protect U.S. and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping." This operation marks the latest move by the U.S. to counter increased aggression from Houthi forces.
The tension between the Houthis and U.S. allies has escalated significantly, especially amid rising conflicts linked to the Israeli military actions and the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war in Gaza. Earlier this week, Israel conducted airstrikes on several targets within Houthi-controlled territories, emphasizing the deteriorated security situation. During these skirmishes, which included missile launches directed at Israel from Yemen, at least nine civilians were reported dead.
Following these developments, the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks, including missile launches aimed at central Israel. Reports indicate they sought to pressure Israel to cease its military operations against Palestinians. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a prominent member of the Supreme Political Council representing the rebels, condemned the U.S. strikes, labeling them as “terrorist attacks.” He stated, "The American terrorist attacks confirm the lawless rampage and criminality in the region," denouncing Washington's military intervention as reckless and counterproductive.
The U.S. has ramped up its military presence and actions since the culmination of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated last year. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have engaged more aggressively, reportedly attacking over 100 merchant vessels since October 2023, attempting to enforce what they call “solidarity” actions on behalf of the Palestinian cause.
During the latest strikes, CENTCOM also engaged Houthi drones and anti-ship cruise missiles flying over the Red Sea, showcasing the operational capabilities U.S. forces maintain to neutralize threats from Houthi attacks. The use of F/A-18 strike fighters, alongside support from Navy and Air Force assets, was integral to the successful execution of these airstrikes.
CENTCOM's strategies are part of larger diplomatic outcomes, where the U.S. aims to obtain international cooperation to enforce clearer sanctions against Houthi-controlled shipping lanes and possibly re-designate the group as terrorists. Such measures could severely limit humanitarian access to Yemen's civilian population, who are already suffering from the dire effects of prolonged conflict and famine.
While the U.S. military actions continue, it remains critically entangled within the broader Middle Eastern framework, where the alignment and aversion of regional powers—including Israel and Iran—create complex dynamics. Observers are noting the need for diplomatic resolutions to mitigate the humanitarian fallout arising from both the airstrikes and the counter-strikes retaliated by the Houthis.
Without clear communication and cooperation from the U.N. and allied nations, the cycles of violence may persist. The international community remains watchful as the conflict brews on multiple fronts, threatening wider regional stability.
