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Pentagon: Yemen airstrikes likely caused 153 civilian deaths

8/13/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Pentagon review found April 2025 U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen likely caused civilian harm, killing 153 and injuring 243.
The Pentagon declined to provide condolence payments for the victims without giving an explanation.
U.S. Central Command said the strikes targeted Houthi fuel sources, not Yemeni civilians.
UN envoy Hans Grundberg warned the escalation threatens the 2022 truce and could expand the conflict.

History

Historical Context

In the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S.-led coalition’s air campaign over Iraq killed an estimated 2,300-3,600 civilians, with more than 1,000 sorties flown in the first 24 hours and damage to Baghdad’s infrastructure. Decades later, the Pentagon’s April 2025 strikes on Houthi-controlled fuel sites in Yemen killed 153 civilians, prompting UN envoy Hans Grundberg to warn of truce violations and calls for stricter engagement rules.

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Story summary

Pentagon review found April 2025 U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen likely caused civilian harm, killing 153 and injuring 243.
The Pentagon declined to provide condolence payments for the victims without giving an explanation.
U.S. Central Command said the strikes targeted Houthi fuel sources, not Yemeni civilians.
UN envoy Hans Grundberg warned the escalation threatens the 2022 truce and could expand the conflict.

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