Photo: AA
According to Iranian sources, the commander of the “naval forces” of the Houthi administration in Yemen, Mansour al-Saadi, was injured as a result of the US attempt to eliminate him at a naval base near the city of Hodeidah. The incident took place against the backdrop of a large-scale military operation launched by the United States against the Yemeni Houthis, who threaten the safety of navigation in the Red Sea.
Attack on the Houthis and the wounding of al-Saadi
Mansour al-Saadi, a key figure in the Houthi structure responsible for coordinating maritime operations, was wounded in a targeted strike by US forces. Hodeidah, located on the Red Sea coast, is a strategically important port and base for the Houthis, from where they launch attacks on commercial and military vessels. Iranian sources did not specify the condition of al-Saadi after the attack, but noted that the US operation was aimed at his destruction. Details of other casualties or damage have not yet been disclosed.
This strike is part of a broader campaign initiated by US President Donald Trump. Back on 15 March, Trump announced the launch of “decisive and powerful” military action against the Houthis to protect American interests and restore freedom of navigation in the region. A few days later, he added that the Houthis would be “completely destroyed” and no longer pose a threat to global shipping.
Strengthening the American presence
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has decided to extend the deployment of the carrier strike group led by the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea by a month. This step underscores the seriousness of Washington’s intentions to confront the Houthis, who have repeatedly attacked ships in this strategically important area. In addition, in the coming weeks, another US aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, will arrive in the region along with escort ships. The deployment of two aircraft carriers at the same time is a demonstration of strength and a signal of the US readiness for a long-term operation.
The Red Sea remains one of the key sea routes for transporting oil, gas and other goods. The Houthi attacks, which they justify by supporting the Palestinians in their conflict with Israel, have significantly hampered shipping in the region, forcing many companies to divert vessels to the Cape of Good Hope.
Context and perspectives
The US operation against the Houthis came after the rebels resumed attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, breaking a temporary lull reached earlier this year. The Iranian-backed Houthis have said they will continue their actions until Israel unblocks humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. In response, Washington has increased pressure, striking at their positions and leaders.
The injury of Mansour al-Saadi may weaken the Houthis’ operational capabilities at sea, but it is unlikely to stop their campaign completely. Analysts note that the presence of two US aircraft carriers in the Red Sea indicates the Trump administration’s readiness to escalate if the Houthis do not stop their attacks. At the same time, this could exacerbate tensions with Iran, which supports the rebels and has already condemned the US actions as “aggression against a sovereign state”.
The situation in the region remains unstable, and further developments will depend on the reaction of the Houthis and their allies. Currently, Washington is demonstrating its determination to protect its interests, but the prospects for a complete end to the threat to shipping remain uncertain.
