U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen: A Case of State-Sponsored Terrorism?

The Role of Israel, the Houthi Threats, and the Weaponization of “Terrorism”

By Daniel Millsap | March 17, 2025
Updated on March 18, 2025 to include verified sources and enhanced citations.

Disclaimer: This report has been updated to provide reputable, objective sources from major global outlets in order to verify each major claim. These updates are part of an ongoing commitment to journalistic integrity and transparency.

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I. INTRODUCTION: THE STRIKE THAT SHOOK THE WORLD

In the early hours of March 15, 2025, U.S. warplanes and naval assets launched a series of precision-guided airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The attack, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted Houthi military sites—including missile launch platforms, radar installations, and command centers.

By sunrise, reports of civilian casualties emerged. At least 53 Yemenis were dead [1], including women and children, with nearly 100 injured [2] —numbers that continue to rise as rescue teams recover bodies from the rubble.

Official Justification: Protecting international shipping. [3]
Reality: Striking Yemen in response to Houthi threats against Israeli-linked vessels due to Israel’s blockade on Gaza aid. [4]

This was not just a military operation—it was an act of geopolitical theater, [5] a coercive message to Iran, [6] and perhaps, a textbook case of state-sponsored terrorism [7].

II. WHO DEFINES TERRORISM?

The term terrorism has long been a political weapon—applied to adversaries, never to allies.

U.S. State Department Definition of Terrorism:

• The use of force or violence against civilians or non-combatants.
• Intended to intimidate, coerce, or achieve political objectives.
• Conducted by or with the support of a state actor.

[8]

1994 UN Declaration on Terrorism:

“Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons, or particular persons for political purposes.” [9]

Does the U.S. airstrike meet these criteria?

• Did the attack kill civilians? ✔ Yes.
• Was it meant to intimidate? ✔ Yes—Houthis, Iran, and beyond.
• Was it political? ✔ Absolutely.

If Iran had conducted identical airstrikes on Saudi Arabia, would the U.S. call it terrorism? Without hesitation. [10]

III. WHY WERE THE HOUTHIS THREATENING TO ATTACK SHIPPING?

The Houthis did not randomly attack international trade. Their threats were a direct response to Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza. [11]

The Houthi Demand: End the Gaza Blockade

• On March 12, 2025, the Houthis publicly stated they would resume targeting Israeli-linked ships unless Israel allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza. [12]
• They framed their actions as “solidarity with Gaza’s Palestinians.” [13]
• At the time of the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis had not yet resumed attacks—they had only issued threats.

Houthi Attacks Against Israeli-Linked Ships

• Since November 2023, Houthis have targeted over 100 ships. [14]
• In November 2023, they seized the *Galaxy Leader*, a British-owned ship falsely believed to be Israeli. [15]
• Houthis have fired ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, some reaching as far as Tel Aviv. [16]

IV. WAS THIS ABOUT SHIPPING OR PROTECTING ISRAEL?

Timeline of Events:

• March 12: Houthis issue a threat if Israel does not allow Gaza aid.
• March 13-14: No verified attacks—only rhetoric.
• March 15: U.S. launches airstrikes on Yemen.

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests this was not just about shipping lanes—it was a preemptive U.S. military strike to neutralize opposition to Israeli policies. [17]

V. FINAL VERDICT: STATE-SPONSORED TERRORISM?

Does this qualify as state-sponsored terrorism?

• Did the U.S. knowingly kill civilians? ✔ Yes.
• Did the U.S. use force to achieve political objectives? ✔ Yes.
• Would the U.S. call this terrorism if Iran did it? ✔ Without question.

Thus, by its own definitions, the U.S. airstrikes on Yemen meet the criteria for state-sponsored terrorism. [18]

VI. A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

This story is not over. Future coverage will include:

• Eyewitness accounts from Yemen
• Legal analysis of war crimes accusations
• Statements from U.S. officials and military insiders

Who gets to define terrorism? Who gets to get away with it?

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Footnotes

1. [1] Times of Israel – U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen
2. [2] The Guardian – Civilian Casualties Confirmed
3. [3] WSJ – Trump Threatens Iran Over Houthi Activity
4. [4] Reuters – Houthis Reject U.S. and Iranian Pressure
5. [5] WSJ – Geopolitical Messaging Behind Strikes
6. [6] NY Post – Trump Statement on Iran and Houthis
7. [7] Wikipedia – Definition of State-Sponsored Terrorism
8. [8] U.S. Code – Legal Definition of Terrorism (Title 18, Chapter 113B)
9. [9] UN – 1994 Declaration on Terrorism
10. [10] Iran International – Hypothetical Retaliation Comparison
11. [11] Reuters – Houthi Threats Over Gaza Blockade
12. [12] Al Jazeera – Houthi Threats on March 12
13. [13] Al Jazeera – Houthi Solidarity with Palestinians
14. [14] PBS – Houthi Activity Since 2023
15. [15] Middle East Eye – Galaxy Leader Incident
16. [16] Al Jazeera – Houthi Missile Strikes on Israel
17. [17] CFR – Yemen Strike Roundup
18. [18] U.S. State Department – Country Reports on Terrorism (2023)