USCENTCOM: Over 800 Houthi Targets Struck in Ongoing Operation to Restore Freedom of Navigation
"Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis. The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime,” USCENTCOM stated.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) announced on Monday that its forces have conducted an intense and sustained military campaign against the Houthi movement in Yemen since March 15, 2025, as part of efforts to restore freedom of navigation and reinforce American deterrence in the region.
In a statement, USCENTCOM emphasized that the operations have been carried out with “detailed and comprehensive intelligence,” ensuring lethal precision against Houthi targets while minimizing civilian risk. The command noted that, to maintain operational security, it has intentionally withheld specifics about past and future military actions.
“We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do,” the statement said.
Since the launch of Operation Rough Rider, U.S. forces have struck more than 800 targets, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Houthi fighters, including numerous senior missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) officials. The strikes have systematically dismantled key Houthi infrastructure, including command-and-control centers, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and storage sites for sophisticated weaponry such as anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and unscrewed surface vessels.
USCENTCOM reported that these operations have significantly reduced the Houthis’ offensive capabilities. Ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69%, while attacks using one-way drones have decreased by 55%.
One critical blow dealt to the Houthis was the destruction of the Ras Isa Port’s fuel reception facilities, a move that is expected to impact not only the group's operational capabilities but also its ability to generate millions of dollars in revenue used to fund its militant activities.
The military campaign has been supported by the deployment of a robust force, including the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. USCENTCOM praised the professionalism and effectiveness of the U.S. forces involved, highlighting their success in delivering “precise and lethal strikes against Houthi military capabilities.”
USCENTCOM also pointed to Iran’s role in the conflict, stating, “Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis. The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime.” The statement reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to “ratchet up the pressure” until the mission’s objective — restoring freedom of navigation and reinforcing American deterrence — is fully achieved.
Since late 2023, Houthi forces have escalated attacks against commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, threatening international shipping lanes critical to global trade. The U.S., alongside international partners, has responded with maritime security initiatives and direct military operations to safeguard these vital waterways.
The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have leveraged increasingly sophisticated weaponry in their campaign, prompting concerns over regional stability and the security of one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. Operation Rough Rider marks the most sustained U.S. military response to date, signaling Washington’s determination to curb Houthi aggression and to counter Iran’s influence in Yemen.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 27, 2025
