Yemen Huthis say launched missiles at Israel, US warship

A Yemeni man inspects the damage in the Al-Rasul Al-Aadham cancer and oncology hospital’s unfinished building, a day after it was hit in a US strike in Yemen’s northern Saada province

| Published March 27, 2025

The conflict in the Middle East intensified after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching missiles targeting Israel and a U.S. warship operating in the Red Sea. This dangerous escalation has sparked international concern, with fears that the conflict could expand beyond its current borders, threatening maritime security and destabilizing the region.

Missile Launch and U.S. Intervention

According to reports, the Houthis launched several missiles from Yemen, aiming at Israeli targets. The missiles prompted immediate defensive action from a U.S. Navy destroyer patrolling the Red Sea, which intercepted multiple projectiles, averting potential casualties and damage. This incident marks a rare instance of U.S. forces directly engaging with Houthi missile fire, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict.

Houthi Justifications and Broader Context

The Houthis have framed their missile strikes as retaliation against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, declaring that they will continue attacking until Israel halts what they describe as aggression against Palestinians. This rhetoric aligns with previous Houthi statements positioning themselves as defenders of the Palestinian cause, linking their actions to the broader Arab-Israeli conflict.

The Houthis’ involvement in the conflict adds a new dimension to an already volatile situation, expanding the front lines beyond Israel and Gaza to include Yemen and the strategic waterways of the Red Sea.

Global Reactions and Maritime Security Concerns

The missile launch has drawn swift condemnation from the United States, which described the attack as a threat to international maritime navigation. The Red Sea is a vital shipping route, connecting the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea and facilitating global trade. Any disruption to this corridor could have serious economic consequences, further raising the urgency of de-escalation.

In response, the U.S. has bolstered its naval presence in the region, signaling a readiness to defend its interests and protect commercial shipping routes. European leaders have also expressed concern, calling for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from spiraling further out of control.

Humanitarian and Regional Implications

As the conflict widens, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens. Years of war have left millions in need of aid, and further escalation risks worsening conditions for civilians already grappling with food shortages, displacement, and limited access to healthcare.

The Houthis’ missile launch also underscores the broader challenge of Iran’s influence in the region. Iran’s support for proxy groups like the Houthis has long been a source of tension with the U.S. and its allies, complicating efforts to broker peace and stabilize the region.

Looking Ahead: The Risk of Escalation

With tensions running high and no immediate path to resolution, the risk of further escalation remains significant. The U.S., Israel, and their allies are likely to face difficult decisions as they navigate this increasingly complex and dangerous conflict.

For now, the Red Sea remains a potential flashpoint, with global powers watching closely and hoping that diplomacy can succeed before the conflict spirals even further out of control.