The US military announced on Sunday that it will withhold specific details regarding its ongoing strikes in Yemen, emphasizing the importance of "preserving operational security." In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) noted that while the operations have had "lethal effects" on Houthi rebels, it would not disclose precise information about past or future actions.
President Donald Trump ordered an escalation of US military operations against Yemen last month, pledging to continue targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces until they cease attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes.
Since mid-March, US strikes have killed dozens, including 74 individuals at an oil terminal in April—the deadliest single strike under Trump’s administration so far, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Human rights advocates have voiced concerns over civilian casualties, while three Democratic senators, including Chris Van Hollen, have demanded an official explanation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has also faced criticism for discussing attack plans over the unsecured messaging app Signal.
CENTCOM reiterated its cautious approach: "We are very deliberate in our operational approach but will not reveal specifics about what we've done or what we will do." The military added that over 800 targets have been struck, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders, and the destruction of command centers, air defense systems, and advanced weapons facilities.
The US insists that its operations aim to diminish the Houthis’ military and economic capabilities while striving to minimize civilian casualties. Following an April 20 explosion near a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sanaa, Washington denied responsibility, attributing the blast to a Houthi missile, despite local claims of a dozen deaths.
The Houthis, who have controlled large parts of Yemen for nearly a decade, have intensified attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, targeting ships they allege are connected to Israel. The renewed violence follows the October 2023 Hamas attacks against Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and about 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli reports.
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