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US Strikes on Yemen's Houthi Rebels Kill at Least 53

US Strikes on Yemen's Houthi Rebels Kill at Least 53
Above: A US aircraft takes off from an aircraft carrier as US Central Command forces carry out airstrikes against the Houthis on March 15, 2025. Image copyright: CENTCOM/Contributor/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Facts

  • US Pres. Donald Trump ordered "decisive and powerful military action" against Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen on Saturday, with radars, air defenses, and missile systems hitting the capital Sanaa, Saada, and Al Bayda.

  • The Houthi-run health ministry reported at least 53 people were killed and 98 injured in the strikes, with casualties including women and children. From Saturday evening to Sunday morning, US warplanes reportedly launched more than 47 air raids targeting at least seven provinces.

  • The US Central Command, which posted images of fighters and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said "precision strikes" were launched to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation."


The Spin


Pro-establishment narrative

The military strikes were necessary and justified to protect international shipping lanes and American interests, as the Houthis have conducted hundreds of attacks on vessels, causing billions in economic damage and putting innocent lives at risk.


Establishment-critical narrative

The US attack on Yemen is an illegal act of aggression that killed civilians, including women and children, violated Yemen's sovereignty, and failed to address the root cause of the conflict — Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.


Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures


The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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