The conflict in Yemen has entered a new phase following a large-scale U.S. airstrike against the Houthi movement. The attack, ordered by President Donald Trump, resulted in significant casualties and intensified tensions in the region. The Houthis, who have been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea in response to the Israeli genocide and ethnic cleansing against Palestinians, vowed retaliation, raising fears of further escalation.
Beyond the immediate military confrontation, the crisis has also affected global oil markets, with prices rising due to heightened geopolitical risks. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the long-term consequences of U.S. involvement and the potential for broader regional instability.
U.S. Airstrikes on Houthi Forces in Yemen
The United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, launched a large-scale airstrike against the Houthi group in Yemen. The attack resulted in 53 fatalities, including women and children, and left 98 others injured.
This military action was in response to repeated Houthi attacks on commercial vessels along key international trade routes. The Houthis had escalated their assaults as a show of solidarity with Palestine following the Israeli genocide. Over 100 merchant ships were targeted, with two vessels sunk and four sailors killed. Despite most of their attacks failing to hit their intended targets, the economic impact was significant, amounting to billions of dollars in losses.
Although Houthi attacks briefly halted during a ceasefire in Gaza in January 2025, they resumed their threats against Israeli-linked ships after Israel imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. In retaliation, the United States launched a counteroffensive. President Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. would not tolerate attacks on its vessels and would take all necessary measures to protect its assets and ensure maritime security.
The U.S. airstrikes specifically targeted Houthi bases, key leaders, and missile defense systems. The operation involved the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and other naval forces. Additionally, the U.S. exerted diplomatic pressure on Iran, which has been accused of supporting the Houthis. As part of its broader strategy, the U.S. reinstated the Houthis on its Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list, exposing any entity providing support to the group to severe sanctions.
Rising Oil Prices Amid Yemen Conflict and Global Factors
One fund is taking on a cheap long-shot bet that Brent crude will climb toward $100 a barrel amid revived tensions in the Middle East https://t.co/IfDisIqxCx
— Bloomberg (@business) March 17, 2025
The ongoing tensions in Yemen have contributed to fluctuations in global oil markets. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices experienced slight increases, reaching $71.07 and $67.58 per barrel, respectively.
President Trump declared that the U.S. would continue its military operations against the Houthis until they ceased their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. Additionally, Washington placed responsibility on Iran for facilitating the Houthi offensives, further fueling market concerns.
Apart from geopolitical risks, oil prices were also influenced by economic data from China, which indicated growth in retail sales and an increase in crude oil processing. A weakening U.S. dollar also played a role, making oil more affordable for international buyers. Meanwhile, market analysts remained attentive to ongoing discussions regarding a potential Russia-Ukraine peace resolution and projections of rising U.S. crude inventories.
Yemen’s Response to U.S. Airstrikes
The Yemeni military strongly condemned the deadly U.S. strikes, which claimed the lives of at least 31 civilians, the majority of whom were women and children, in Sana’a and several other provinces.
According to Yemeni officials, the attacks were a direct response to their commitment to targeting Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, an act they justified as retaliation for the blockade on Gaza. Yemen’s Supreme Political Council stated that the U.S. military action would not deter public support for Gaza and warned that it would only escalate the conflict further.
In a defiant response, Yemeni forces vowed to retaliate against the United States with a “painful” counterstrike, pledging to defend their sovereignty against foreign aggression. The U.S. bombing, which struck residential areas in Sana’a on Saturday night, sparked international outrage and raised concerns about the potential for a wider regional escalation.
- U.S. airstrikes on Houthi forces in Yemen, ordered by President Trump, resulted in 53 deaths and 98 injuries.
- The operation targeted Houthi bases, leaders, and missile systems due to repeated assaults on commercial vessels and escalated attacks linked to the Hamas-Israel conflict.
- Over 100 merchant ships were attacked, causing significant economic losses.
- Houthi threats resumed after a Gaza ceasefire, prompting the U.S. counteroffensive and reaffirmation of maritime security.
- The conflict has led to rising global oil prices, with Brent crude at $71.07 and WTI at $67.58 per barrel.
- President Trump confirmed U.S. military operations against Houthis will continue until they stop attacking Red Sea shipping.
- Iran is blamed for Houthi offensives, raising market worries; oil prices impacted by positive Chinese economic data and a weaker U.S. dollar.
- Yemeni military condemned U.S. airstrikes killing 31 civilians, mainly women and children, claiming retaliation for targeting Israel-linked vessels.
- Yemen's officials caution the strikes will escalate conflict; they vowed a "painful" counterstrike, defending sovereignty amid rising regional tensions.
Military Action
Targeted Operations
Economic Impact
Maritime Security
Oil Prices
U.S. Policy
Geopolitical Concerns
Civilian Casualties
Regional Tensions
