On March 15, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States will not tolerate attacks from Houthi forces on American ships, aircraft, or personnel.

His remarks come in the context of increasing tensions related to Houthi aggression and Iranian support for the group.

Hegseth communicated this message via the social media platform X, asserting that 'freedom of navigation will be restored' and reaffirming America's commitment under President Donald Trump to not back down in the face of these threats.

Earlier that day, President Trump announced a decisive military operation against Houthi forces in Yemen, signaling an escalation in U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Following Trump's directive, the Yemeni capital of Sana'a experienced air strikes, attributed to U.S. and British forces as part of the operation.

According to reports by Houthi-run media, the airstrikes targeted a residential area in the Shu'ba district of northern Sana'a, resulting in at least nine civilian fatalities and an additional nine injuries, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Houthi-controlled health ministry.

Over the past year, the Houthi movement has launched missile and drone strikes against various targets, including claims of attacks aimed at Israel as well as Israeli-affiliated shipping moving towards Israeli ports, framed as support for Palestinians in Gaza.

These aggressive actions have prompted retaliatory strikes by the U.S., UK, and Israel against Houthi targets in Yemen, illustrating the growing complexity and international ramifications of the conflict in the region.