US launches Operation Rough Rider — massive airstrikes across 7 Yemeni provinces target Houthi bases, missile systems and leaders — 53 killed

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The United States launched Operation Rough Rider on March 15, a major new air campaign against Houthi targets across Yemen. Dozens of airstrikes hit Houthi positions in seven provinces on the first day of the operation, with aircraft launching from the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group in the Red Sea. CENTCOM stated the strikes targeted Houthi military bases, ballistic missile and drone launch systems, command-and-control infrastructure, and senior Houthi leaders. President Trump said the operation was intended to defend US shipping and military assets in the region and to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait. At least 53 people were killed on the first day of airstrikes. The operation came as Houthi leaders had warned of further escalation in coordination with Iran's war effort, with Ansar Allah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stating his forces had "fingers on the trigger." Operation Rough Rider represents a significant expansion of the US military campaign, opening a dedicated Yemen front alongside the ongoing operations against Iran.