The U.S. military killed 153 civilians and wounded 243 others during air strikes in Yemen last year, according to a classified Pentagon report shared with Congress. The findings, disclosed in a 12-page document sent to the Senate Armed Services Committee, detail the toll of the U.S.-led campaign against the Houthis, a rebel group based in northern Yemen. The report outlines multiple instances where U.S. airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, some of which were deemed to have occurred with a high degree of certainty. The campaign began in March 2025, when President Donald Trump authorized military action against the Houthis following their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These strikes, the Houthis claimed, were intended to support Palestinians in Gaza, who were facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The U.S. responded by launching a series of air strikes targeting Houthi positions and supply lines. Over the course of the operation, the Pentagon conducted an internal review of the strikes, identifying 15 incidents that required further scrutiny due to potential civilian harm. Among the documented cases, a strike on April 6, 2025, in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, killed five civilians and injured 25 others. Another attack on April 17 targeted Hodeidah, resulting in at least 80 civilian deaths. This incident drew condemnation from human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, which called for an investigation into whether it constituted a war crime. A separate strike later in April reportedly killed 47 individuals, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The report also highlights a strike in the northwestern province of Saada, where at least 68 African migrants were killed. This incident underscores the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly on vulnerable populations. The Pentagon acknowledged that these strikes had caused significant civilian casualties, yet they continued the campaign, citing the need to disrupt Houthi operations and protect maritime trade routes. Despite the extensive damage inflicted on Houthi forces, the group has since resumed its attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and expanded its targets to include Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure. Regional officials have noted that while the U.S. campaign weakened the Houthis’ military capabilities, the effects were temporary. The group has regrouped and intensified its activities, prompting concerns over the stability of the region. The Trump administration faced initial challenges in justifying the campaign, as the military operation was overshadowed by the revelation of the SignalGate leaks. These leaks exposed a private messaging group that included top U.S. officials, such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing the military campaign. The leaks sparked public scrutiny and raised questions about the transparency and coordination of the strategy. However, the focus eventually shifted back to the military actions themselves. Saudi Arabia played a key role in pressuring the U.S. to halt the campaign before President Trump’s planned visit to the Gulf. According to regional officials, the kingdom sought to prevent further escalation in the region. Despite these efforts, the U.S. continued its strikes until May 2025, when the campaign was officially called off. The decision followed diplomatic discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions and avoiding further destabilization of the area. As the situation continues to evolve, the long-term consequences of the U.S. intervention remain uncertain. While the immediate goal of disrupting Houthi operations was achieved, the humanitarian cost has been substantial. The Pentagon’s report serves as a formal acknowledgment of the civilian toll, but it does not provide a comprehensive account of all casualties or offer reparations for those affected. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, marked by complex alliances and shifting priorities, shows no signs of resolution.
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