'We are ready': Houthi rebels brace for war after US airstrikes

US airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen continue. So far 53 people have been killed, but taking the Houthi rebels lightly can prove to be dangerous for America. The Houthis say they will give a 24-hour grace period and then attack US forces. Tensions between the US and the Houthi rebels have reached a peak.

Nishika Jha
Last Updated : Monday, 17 March 2025
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US airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen continue. So far 53 people have been killed, but taking the Houthi rebels lightly can prove to be dangerous for America. The Houthis say they will give a 24-hour grace period and then attack US forces. Tensions between the US and the Houthi rebels have reached a peak. US President Donald Trump has carried out tremendous airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. 53 individuals have lost their lives so far. Trump called it his largest military operation. Trump tweeted, "Houthi terrorists, your time is up. But the Houthi rebels are also prepared to strike back and have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the US.

Response to attacks in the Red Sea

This raid has been undertaken in retaliation to the raids undertaken by Houthi rebels against US vessels in the Red Sea. Four months back, there were a few raids by Houthi militants on US warships, for which the US retaliated later. How difficult is it for the US to handle?
The American military is technologically sophisticated and one of the greatest militaries in the world, but it will not be that simple to combat the Houthi rebels. The first reason is that they have a guerrilla warfare tactic, where they use suicide attacks, drone attacks and missile attacks. The second reason is Iran's support, which is boosting the military power of the Houthi rebels. The third reason is the geographic location of Yemen, where it is hard for US ground troops to operate.

How strong are the Houthi rebels?

As per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report, the Houthi rebels possess a huge quantity of modern weapons. They possess ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, portable air defence systems and thermal sights. Their number is reported to be approximately 3,50,000. Not only this, but the Houthi rebels also employ suicide bombers, because of which the next few days can be risky for America.

Iranian weapons and training

Iran is regarded as playing a key role behind the rising power of the Houthi rebels. Iran has provided them with military and financial aid, boosting their power. Iran not only provides weapons but also trains Houthi soldiers through its ally Hezbollah. Houthi fighters can now target nations like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Israel with long-range missiles, thanks to Iran's advanced weapons and technology.