The Pentagon has completed a review of civilian casualties resulting from U.S. military operations against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen during the previous year. According to the unclassified assessment obtained by The Associated Press, more than 150 civilians were killed in the strikes, which targeted militant positions in the rebel-held capital and port facilities.
The review examined three airstrikes conducted in April 2025 as part of the broader U.S. campaign against the Houthis, who have been conducting attacks on commercial vessels traversing the Red Sea, a critical global shipping route connecting to the Suez Canal and Mediterranean. The strikes were directed at hostile forces and infrastructure near Sanaa and the Ras Isa port. According to the findings, 153 civilians were killed and 243 were injured across the three operations, with the port strike accounting for the deadliest toll at 80 fatalities and 171 injuries.
U.S. Central Command stated at the time that the strikes were intended to target militant capabilities and infrastructure rather than civilian populations. The command indicated the operations aimed to eliminate fuel supplies and revenue sources for what it characterized as terrorist activities spanning more than a decade. The Pentagon’s review determined that the three strikes “more likely than not” resulted in civilian harm based on intelligence sources, imagery analysis, and open-source reporting.
The assessment concluded that condolence payments were not appropriate in these cases, though the review did not provide detailed explanation for this determination. The findings come amid growing congressional scrutiny of civilian casualty concerns in current military campaigns. The matter also follows recent incidents that have intensified debate over civilian protection protocols within the Defense Department.
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