The U.S. military has successfully eliminated Ahmed Al-Reezmi, a senior Houthi commander, in a targeted strike in Yemen on March 23, 2025.
This operation, part of a broader campaign under President Donald Trump, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Here’s everything you need to know about the strike, its implications, and the regional tensions fueling this conflict.
What Happened: U.S. Strike Kills Houthi Leader Ahmed Al-Reezmi
On March 24, 2025, @VividProwess
reported on X that the U.S. had eliminated Ahmed Al-Reezmi, a senior military commander of the Houthis, in Yemen the previous night.
The post, which garnered significant attention, included an image of Al-Reezmi in military attire with a red beret, marked with the word “ELIMINATED.” The operation was praised by the poster, who tagged @realDonaldTrump
, highlighting the Trump administration’s role in the strike.
This strike is part of a larger U.S. military campaign against the Houthis, who have been attacking Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza. According to Reuters, the U.S. began a large-scale operation on March 15, 2025, targeting Houthi leadership, which has already resulted in at least 31 deaths, including civilians.
Key Details of the Operation
Date of Strike: March 23, 2025
Target: Ahmed Al-Reezmi, senior Houthi military commander
Location: Yemen (specific location not disclosed)
U.S. Leadership: Operation conducted under President Donald Trump
Context: Response to Houthi missile attacks on Israel, including a hypersonic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport on March 23, 2025 (reported by @PressTV
).
Who Was Ahmed Al-Reezmi?
Ahmed Al-Reezmi was a senior commander in the Houthi military structure, though specific details about his role remain limited. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are an Iran-aligned group controlling much of Yemen, including Sanaa. They have been engaged in a civil war since 2014 and have escalated attacks on Israel and U.S. interests since the Israel-Hamas conflict intensified in 2023. Al-Reezmi’s elimination likely aimed to disrupt Houthi operations, particularly their missile and drone attacks on regional targets.
Why Did the U.S. Target the Houthis?
The U.S. operation comes amid heightened regional tensions driven by Houthi aggression. Here are the key reasons behind the strike:
Houthi Attacks on Israel: On March 23, 2025, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Israel, which was intercepted (@MOSSADil
). They also claimed a hypersonic missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport, aiming to disrupt operations in solidarity with Gaza (@IrnaEnglish
).
Threats to Red Sea Shipping: The Houthis have been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, a critical global trade route, impacting U.S. and allied interests.
Trump’s Policy Shift: Since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has reinstated the Houthis on the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations (NPR) and launched a large-scale military campaign to counter their activities (Reuters).
Trump has also issued warnings to Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer, threatening severe consequences if Iran continues its support. However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have denied direct control over the Houthis, warning of a “decisive and destructive” response if attacked (Reuters).
Regional Impact: Civilian Casualties and Escalating Tensions
The U.S. strikes, including the one that killed Al-Reezmi, have not been without controversy. The Houthi-run health ministry reported 53 deaths, including five children and two women, in earlier strikes, with 98 injuries (Reuters). Posts on X, such as @stairwayto3dom
, have accused the U.S. of “terrorism” for bombing residential areas in Yemen.
The Houthis have vowed to escalate their attacks in response. Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group’s leader, stated they would continue targeting American ships as long as the U.S. attacks Yemen (Reuters). Historically, such strikes have often increased domestic support for the Houthis, framing them as resistors against foreign aggression (Al Jazeera).
Timeline of Recent Events
March 15, 2025: U.S. launches large-scale operation against Houthis, killing at least 31 (Reuters).
March 23, 2025: Houthis launch ballistic missile toward Israel, intercepted by Israeli defenses (@MOSSADil
).
March 23, 2025: U.S. strikes Sanaa, targeting Houthi leadership (@spectatorindex
).
March 23, 2025: Ahmed Al-Reezmi eliminated in Yemen strike (@VividProwess
).
Public Reaction: Support and Criticism
The X post by @VividProwess
received varied reactions:
Support: Users like @StevenH96227683
(“Let’s Gooooooooooo!!!!”) and @James
Holbrook (“Hell yeah, U.S. smoked that Houthi punk”) celebrated the operation.
Criticism: @Ahmet
POLAT questioned the use of “commander” for Al-Reezmi, suggesting a different term might be more appropriate.
Neutral: @EmesVotes
and @shenoyixedoc
expressed approval with emojis like and a thumbs-up.
What’s Next for the U.S.-Houthi Conflict?
The elimination of Ahmed Al-Reezmi may disrupt Houthi operations in the short term, but experts warn it could further escalate the conflict. The Houthis have a history of resilience, often gaining support after U.S. attacks (Al Jazeera).
With Iran’s backing and the broader “Axis of Resistance” dynamics, the situation remains volatile.
The U.S. and its allies, including Israel, are likely to continue targeting Houthi leadership to deter further attacks. However, civilian casualties and the risk of a broader regional conflict involving Iran pose significant challenges.
