Key Facts
- Operation codename
- Operation Rough Rider
- Start date
- March 15, 2025
- Ceasefire declared
- May 6, 2025
- Ships attacked by Houthis
- More than 190
- Reported casualties
- 302
- UK joined strikes
- April 30, 2025
Strategic Narrative Overview
Operation Rough Rider launched on March 15, 2025, with US air and naval strikes targeting Houthi radar systems, air defenses, and ballistic and drone launch sites across Yemen. The United Kingdom joined the campaign on April 30. Trump simultaneously warned Iran against continued support for the Houthis. The operation represented a significant intensification of Western military pressure compared to earlier episodic strikes, sustaining bombardment over approximately seven weeks.
01 / The Origins
The Houthis began attacking international shipping in October 2023 following Israel's invasion of Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attacks, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. By mid-March 2025, they had struck over 190 vessels, sunk two, seized one, and killed at least four seafarers. Earlier US-UK coalition strikes under Operation Prosperity Guardian had failed to halt the campaign, prompting the Trump administration to escalate with a sustained offensive operation.
03 / The Outcome
On May 6, 2025, President Trump declared the strikes over after a ceasefire brokered by Oman, stating it was effective immediately. The Houthis accepted the ceasefire with the United States but explicitly stated it did not prevent them from continuing attacks on Israel, which had itself begun striking Yemen. No territorial changes resulted, and the underlying conflict over Gaza remained unresolved.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Donald Trump.
Side B
1 belligerent