U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen: Civilian Prices of a Strategic Conflict

As military operations intensify, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens, affecting everyday citizens.

In the ongoing conflict involving the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, recent U.S. airstrikes have drawn sharp criticism for their impact on innocent civilians. One tragic incident occurred on April 17, 2025, when a U.S. military operation targeted Ras Isa port in Hudaydah Province. Mohammed Omar Baghwi, a 45-year-old manager responsible for gas cylinder filling, was among at least 74 civilians killed in the attack. While U.S. Central Command defended the strikes as necessary to undermine the Houthis' economic resources, Mr. Baghwi’s family lamented his wrongful death, emphasizing that he was merely trying to support his family in dire circumstances.

This escalation follows the Houthis’ missile and drone attacks on Israel, a response to the recent conflict initiated by Hamas against Israel in October 2023. The Houthis have also threatened commercial vessels in the Red Sea, raising the stakes for international shipping. In retaliation, the U.S. and Israel have engaged in a series of bombings aimed at Houthi leaders and military infrastructure.

However, reports indicate these strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction of essential infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, a nation already grappling with chronic poverty and devastation. Humanitarian organizations are calling attention to the plight of Yemenis, who are paying the highest price in a complex geopolitical struggle, further entrenching the country in turmoil and instability.