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U.S. Military Action
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The gist
Pentagon says U.S. strikes killed 153 civilians in Yemen last year.
The toll raises questions about civilian harm in the Houthi campaign.
Background
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Yemen from March to May 2025 against Houthi forces to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Pentagon's annual civilian casualty report, submitted to Congress, acknowledged that these strikes killed 153 civilians and injured 243 others. The report also noted a separate 2018 strike in Somalia that killed one civilian.
How it unfolded
- Mar-May 2025U.S. military conducts Operation Rough Rider, bombing Houthi targets in Yemen.
- Apr 6, 2025Airstrike near Sanaa kills five civilians, 'more likely than not'.
- Apr 17, 2025Airstrike near Ras Isa Port kills 80 civilians.
- Apr 28, 2025Airstrike near Saada kills 68 civilians.
- Aug 11, 2026Pentagon report submitted to Congress confirms 153 civilian deaths and 243 injuries in 2025.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Pentagon acknowledged the casualties in its annual report, stating the strikes were aimed at Houthi threats to shipping.
- Amnesty International
- Amnesty International called for an investigation into the April 28 strike near Saada, saying it may constitute a war crime.
Still unverified
The report's findings are based on the Pentagon's own assessment; independent verification of the casualty figures is not provided.