U.S. Airstrikes Target Houthis in Yemen, Somalia: Security Breach and Policy Shift Add Complexity

On March 26, a security incident occurred when Trump administration officials unintentionally disclosed sensitive strike plans in a Signal chat that included a journalist.

YEMEN - Between March 25 and March 26, 2025, the United States conducted military strikes in Yemen against Houthi militia targets. Directed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), these operations aimed to neutralize threats to regional security and shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

On March 25, 2025, a coordinated military operation between the U.S. and Somalian militaries was also carried out in the Golis Mountains of Puntland’s Bari region, Somalia.

On March 25, 2025, President Trump approved a policy change, expanding the authority of U.S. military commanders to conduct strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. This adjustment shifts away from earlier approaches that combined military operations with diplomatic initiatives, indicating a more direct response to regional threats.

The decision aligns with efforts to secure vital shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have faced growing disruptions from the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

On March 26, a security incident occurred when Trump administration officials unintentionally disclosed sensitive strike plans in a Signal chat that included a journalist. Although the leak did not affect the operation, it highlighted potential vulnerabilities in maintaining operational security during this period of heightened activity.

Together, the policy change and the breach illustrate the complexities of increasing military engagement in Yemen, prompting further consideration of the operation’s broader impact.

U.S. Strikes Houthis in Yemen, Somalia Amid Escalating Maritime Attacks and Recent Threats