The death toll from US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Yemen has risen to 53, including five children and two women, according to the Houthi rebels’ health ministry. The strikes, which took place on Saturday, targeted multiple Houthi sites, with Washington citing the group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea as the primary reason.

US Justifies Strikes as Response to Red Sea Attacks

US President Donald Trump described the operation as a “decisive and powerful” wave of airstrikes aimed at curbing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea.

“Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our troops and allies,” Trump stated, adding that their “piracy, violence, and terrorism” have cost billions and endangered lives.

Trump warned the Houthis in a social media post:

“HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE.”

Houthis Vow Retaliation Against US and Allies

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed continued attacks on US and allied ships in the Red Sea as long as the US keeps targeting their forces.

“We will continue to strike back until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza,” the group stated, reaffirming its support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthis have targeted commercial vessels since November 2023, sinking two ships, seizing another, and killing four crew members.

US Officials: Key Houthi Leaders Targeted

US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz claimed the Saturday strikes had taken out several Houthi leaders. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the military campaign would continue until the Houthi attacks ceased. Talking  to Fox Business, he told that this campaign is about freedom of navigation and restoring deterrence.

Additional US airstrikes reportedly hit Al Jaouf and Hudaydah early on Monday, though Washington has yet to confirm these operations.

Iran Condemns US Strikes, Calls for End to Aggression

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Washington’s actions, urging the US to:

“End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism. Stop killing Yemeni people.”

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for “utmost restraint” and a cessation of all military activities in Yemen.

US Denies Houthi Claims of Attacks on Aircraft Carrier

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for two attacks on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, but a US official told Reuters that American warplanes intercepted 11 Houthi drones before they could reach the carrier. The US has not commented on the Houthis’ second claim.a

The Donald Trump administration has deported over 200 Venezuelan nationals to a high-security prison in El Salvador, despite a US federal judge’s order blocking the move. Another aircraft carrying deportees was reportedly en route to Honduras when the ruling was issued.

The deportations are part of the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act—a wartime measure allowing the removal of individuals suspected of posing a threat to the US without a court hearing.

Flights continue despite court intervention

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward had sued the administration to halt deportations under the act, particularly regarding five Venezuelan men detained in Texas. US District Judge James E. Boasberg issued an order against the removals, but since it was not a formal written order, flights carrying deportees were not recalled.

The White House, which has designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization, has arranged to detain around 300 suspected gang members in El Salvador under a $6 millon deal.

White House denies defying court order

Responding to allegations of defying judicial authority, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the deportations, stating:

“The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from US territory.”

She further argued that a single judge cannot dictate the movement of deported individuals after their physical expulsion from US soil.

International reactions and political response

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele reacted to the ruling with a mocking post on social media platform X, stating, “Oopsie…Too late.”

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who negotiated the deal with El Salvador, wrote:

“We sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua, which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars.”

The Venezuelan government condemned the deportation policy, comparing it to historical human rights abuses, including slavery and Nazi concentration camps.

Legal implications and future deportations

The Department of Justice has appealed Judge Boasberg’s order blocking further deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. However, the administration stated it would pause additional deportations under the measure unless the ruling is overturned.

This rare invocation of the Alien Enemies Act—previously used only three times in US history—has sparked intense debate over its constitutionality and potential implications for immigration policy in the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a candid podcast with Lex Fridman released on Sunday, March 16, expressed his disappointment over Pakistan’s response to India’s peace initiatives, stating that every attempt to improve bilateral ties was met with hostility and betrayal. He expressed hope that wisdom would prevail among Pakistan’s leadership to choose the path of peace.

Recalling his early efforts to mend relations, Modi mentioned inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014 as a gesture of goodwill. “It was a diplomatic gesture unlike any in decades. Even those who questioned my foreign policy approach were surprised. Our former President Pranab Mukherjee beautifully captured this historic moment in his memoir,” Modi said.

However, he lamented that the desired outcome was not achieved. “Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them, and they choose the path of peace,” he added. Modi also expressed empathy for the people of Pakistan, stating that they too must yearn for peace, tired of living amidst strife, unrest, and relentless terror.

On U.S.-India relations and President Trump

Modi also spoke about his strong bond with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as a leader who prioritizes national interests, much like himself. He praised Trump’s courage and decisiveness, recalling how the U.S. President sat among the audience during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston in 2019 while Modi addressed the crowd.

“That was his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage—it was a remarkable gesture,” Modi said. He also shared a memorable moment when Trump agreed to walk through the packed stadium to greet the audience, despite concerns from his security team. “His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but that moment showed his courage and trust in me. It was a testament to the strong bond between us,” Modi added.

Reflecting on Trump’s resilience, Modi highlighted the U.S. President’s dedication to his country, even after being shot during the election campaign last year. “Even after being shot, he remained unwavering in his commitment to America. His ‘America First’ spirit resonates with my ‘India First’ approach. That’s why we connect so well,” Modi said.

He also commended Trump’s preparedness in his second term, noting that the U.S. President has a clear roadmap and a capable team to implement his vision. Modi mentioned meeting key members of Trump’s administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and tech mogul Elon Musk.

Modi emphasized that politicians are often perceived through the lens of media coverage, which can create misunderstandings. “People rarely get the chance to truly meet or personally know one another. Perhaps third-party intervention is the real cause of tensions,” he said, advocating for direct engagement and mutual understanding among global leaders.