Pentagon: 30 Houthi Targets Struck, Dozens of Militia Members Killed or Wounded

The U.S. Department of Defense (the Pentagon) announced on Monday that US military operations against the Houthi militia in Yemen will continue throughout the day and in the coming days. This is part of an intensified campaign that began Saturday evening, with 30 strategic Houthi sites targeted so far.

The Pentagon confirmed that the strikes are a direct response to the growing threats posed by the Iran-backed militia to international navigation in the Red Sea, a critical waterway through which approximately 15% of global trade passes.

Officials stated that the operations have resulted in dozens of Houthi casualties, with the U.S. employing "overwhelming lethal force" to curb the militia's influence and neutralize its threats. They emphasized that the Houthis' terrorist activities, backed by Iran, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

In a related development, the Pentagon criticized the previous U.S. administration, accusing it of enabling the flow of substantial funds to Iran, which bolstered its capabilities and allowed it to support armed groups in the region, including the Houthis. The statements also referenced former President Donald Trump's warnings to Iran over its continued backing of the Houthis, highlighting how such policies undermine regional and international security.

On Monday evening, U.S. fighter jets conducted additional airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled sites in the Salif district of Hodeidah governorate in western Yemen.

Local sources reported that the strikes focused on the Al-Habashi iron factory, a facility used by Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Salif. The sources indicated that the militia has been utilizing the factory for military manufacturing purposes.

The ongoing campaign underscores Washington's commitment to countering Houthi threats and ensuring the security of vital maritime routes in the region.