U.S. Intensifies Strikes on Houthis as Trump Blames Tehran for Attacks, Maritime Risks Rise, Yemen’s Aid Crisis Worsens After Latest Houthi Seizure

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) has also issued a March 18 alert warning of potential Houthi retaliatory strikes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

On March 15, 2025, Houthi forces in Saada Governorate, Yemen, seized over 5.7 million pounds of food commodities—likely wheat, rice, and oil—from a World Food Program (WFP) warehouse intended for civilian distribution, according to a U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) statement issued March 18, also noting that this action disrupts humanitarian assistance, exacerbating food insecurity.

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This loss intensifies Yemen’s severe humanitarian crisis, where over 18 million people require assistance, per U.N. data cited by the U.S. government, hindering aid delivery in a nation facing widespread food insecurity.

CENTCOM described the seizure as a violation of international humanitarian law, reflecting a pattern of Houthi interference noted by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and State Department.

Amid escalating U.S. military operations, CENTCOM reported increased airstrikes on Houthi targets to disrupt their attacks, which are tied to Iran’s support, as emphasized by President Donald Trump.

The DoD has long documented Tehran’s role in arming the Houthis, a stance consistent with the State Department’s January 2025 reaffirmation of the group (Ansar Allah) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. No direct U.S. actions against Iran have been reported as of March 18.

Although Eurasian Times released a report citing Saudi-owned Al-Hadath claiming that the United States military sunk Iranian reconnaissance ship Zagros, we’ve been unable to find the original report by Al-Hadath, and have not seen any credible evidence supporting the claims.

Concurrently, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) issued a March 18 alert warning of potential Houthi retaliatory strikes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, critical for Yemen’s import-dependent economy.

NAVCENT Highlights Houthi Control In Saada Near Crucial Maritime Routes Enabling Seizure And Threats To International Shipping, Further Limiting Food, Supply Flows Throughout The Region, US Continues Attacks On Houthi: