US strikes on Yemen killed or injured hundreds of civilians last year NBC News investigation finds

Hundreds of civilians were killed or injured in US airstrikes on Yemen last year, according to NBC News, which cited reviewed documents and sources familiar with the circumstances of the attacks. The broadcaster noted that the Pentagon has still not acknowledged the casualties.

Three strikes in April 2025 were carried out as part of Operation Rough Rider, a 53-day campaign launched by US President Donald Trump shortly after taking office. The stated goal of the operation was to halt Iran-backed Houthi forces, which Washington said were threatening ships and allies in the region.

Despite reports from human rights organisations about possible mass casualties, the Pentagon maintained a year ago that no civilians had been harmed during the air campaign.

According to two sources familiar with the strikes, the first two attacks are believed to have killed around 150 civilians and injured approximately 200 more. The number of casualties from the third strike, which targeted a private residence earlier that month, remains unknown.

NBC News has reviewed documents detailing exchanges between the Pentagon and lawmakers seeking more information about the strikes.

In June 2025, two months after the three strikes, Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby wrote to Senator Elizabeth Warren that the Pentagon “has not assessed that civilian casualties have resulted from recent U.S. operations in Yemen since March 15, 2025,” according to the report.

By Jeyhun Aghazada