Pentagon Unleashes Precision Strikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced a series of precision airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi positions in Yemen during a press briefing on March 17, 2025. The strikes were initiated as part of U.S. Central Command‘s operations to ensure freedom of navigation and restore deterrence in the region.

Parnell explained that the operations aimed to counter escalating threats posed by the Houthis, who have launched over 170 missile attacks on U.S. warships and 145 on commercial vessels since 2023. “They threaten our personnel overseas,” Parnell stated, underscoring the urgency behind the military response.

In a detailed account, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined highlights of the operation. “The initial wave of strikes hit over 30 targets at multiple locations, degrading a variety of Houthi capabilities,” Grynkewich reported. Targets included arms manufacturing facilities, drone infrastructure, and command-and-control centers associated with terrorist activities.

Both officials reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ongoing operations, stating that the campaign would continue until the Houthis cease all attacks against U.S. forces. “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective,” Parnell declared. He emphasized that this mission is not about broader regime change but focused solely on protecting American interests in the region.

In recent months, the conflict has intensified, with Houthi-led assaults on maritime shipping lanes increasing as retaliation for U.S. support of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Parnell noted the operational support from President Donald Trump, enabling U.S. forces to target a broader scope of Houthi operations. This delegation of authority has allowed the military to respond rapidly to battlefield opportunities.

“The tempo of operations has allowed us to react to opportunities that we see on the battlefield in order to continue to put pressure on the Houthis,” Grynkewich explained. Despite rising tensions, both Parnell and Grynkewich did not confirm any immediate plans to deploy ground troops to Yemen or engage Iran-related targets.

While assessments of military casualties from the targeted strikes continue, Grynkewich reported “dozens” of Houthi casualties, asserting that there have been no credible indications of civilian deaths resulting from the airstrikes thus far. “We have destroyed command-and-control facilities, weapons manufacturing facilities and advanced weapons storage locations,” he added.

As the situation remains fluid, officials are expected to keep media briefings updated with further operational details as they progress. Parnell reiterated the ongoing nature of these operations, emphasizing their role in safeguarding U.S. interests in the tumultuous region.