The Pentagon announced on Monday, March 17, 2025, that recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen successfully targeted weapon manufacturing facilities and leadership sites of the Iran-backed Houthi group.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the strikes as "precise" and part of an "initial wave" designed to achieve specific objectives. He emphasized the operations are not open-ended, focusing on restoring freedom of navigation and reinforcing U.S. deterrence, and would cease once the Houthis stop attacking U.S. vessels.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Operations Director Alexis Greenkiewicz disclosed that over 30 targets, including training sites and senior drone experts, were destroyed in the first wave, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Houthi members, including leaders. Greenkiewicz also underscored Iran's role in arming and funding the Houthis, urging skepticism toward Houthi claims regarding the strikes.

The Pentagon's briefing followed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused the Houthis and Iran of playing "the innocent victim" and reiterated his directive for "decisive military action," warning the Houthis that their "time is up."
Since March 15th, U.S. forces have conducted intense airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including Sana’a, Saada, and Marib. These operations, authorized by Trump, are expected to continue for weeks, according to Reuters.