EXPOSED: Over 150 Civilians In Yemen Killed By U.S. Military

The Young Turks

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Video Summary

The U.S. military's actions in Yemen have resulted in the deaths of at least 153 civilians, with potentially many more casualties yet to be fully accounted for. This grim reality emerged after a period of intense bombing, during which U.S. forces attacked over 1,000 targets in just 50 days, aiming to counter Houthi actions against shipping in the Red Sea. The Pentagon's review of three specific attacks revealed these figures, though 15 additional attacks await analysis.

Experts argue that the U.S. has loosened rules of engagement and is increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure, a tactic described as a war crime. This approach, exemplified by a previous campaign in Iran where "rules of engagement are bold, precise and designed to unleash American power, not shackle it," is seen as counterproductive. Instead of fostering surrender, such actions unite disparate factions against the U.S., empower extremists, and mirror tactics attributed to Israel, raising concerns about the "Israelification" of American foreign policy. Diplomacy and economic engagement are proposed as more effective alternatives to bombing campaigns that devastate already struggling nations like Yemen.

Short Highlights

At least 153 civilians were killed and nearly 250 wounded in U.S. strikes in Yemen.
U.S. forces attacked over 1,000 targets in Yemen over a 50-day period.
One attack on April 28, 2025, alone killed 68 civilians.
The Pentagon has reviewed three attacks but 15 more await analysis.
Experts argue that targeting civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime.
Loosened rules of engagement are cited as a reason for increased civilian deaths.
Diplomacy is proposed as a more effective alternative to military action.

Key Details

Civilian Toll in Yemen Revealed [0:00]

Reports indicate that at least 150 civilians have been killed in U.S. strikes in Yemen, with initial figures suggesting four more than previously realized.
This comes after a period of intense bombing where U.S. forces attacked at least 1,000 targets in approximately 50 days.

"And now we realize that there's 150 civilians at a minimum that we killed in strikes in Yemen."

Escalation and Rules of Engagement [1:12]

The U.S. military's actions in Yemen are linked to a potential loosening of rules of engagement, contributing to a rise in civilian deaths.
There is a stated desire from the president to attack civilian infrastructure, which is described as a "black and white war crime."

"Do you think that we've loosened the rules of engagement too much here? And that's what's leading to a lot more civilian deaths?"

Houthi Motivation and U.S. Response [2:48]

The U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen was a response to Houthi strikes on ships in the Red Sea, aimed at protecting Palestinians and pressuring Israel.
The U.S. military's objective was to diminish the Houthi arsenal and restore freedom of navigation.

"Now this is when the Houthis were striking ships in the Red Sea to try to protect the Palestinians and Gaza and impose costs on Israel and other governments that were not, basically not caring about the Palestinians and helping and aiding and abetting the Israelis."

Unreviewed Attacks and Scale of Conflict [4:15]

While the Pentagon has reviewed three attacks resulting in the casualty figures, 15 more attacks have not yet been analyzed.
The scale of the Yemen campaign is contrasted with a much larger operation in Iran, which involved hitting 13,000 targets in 40 days.

"But they've yet to review 15 more attacks that have not been analyzed yet, they're getting around to it, they assure us."

Counterproductive Warfare Tactics [5:53]

The strategy of "punching them while they're down" and not making the fight fair is questioned, with concerns that it angers populations rather than achieving surrender.
Historical examples like Fallujah, Crete, and Dresden suggest that heavy civilian casualties do not weaken enemy armies but can unite populations against the attacker.

"Isn't that kind of an old school way of thinking where we're gonna get them to surrender by just incinerating enough of their citizens?"

The "Israelification" of U.S. Policy [20:00]

A key theory suggests the U.S. is adopting Israel's methods, including the "wanton slaughter of innocents," due to a deepening political, military, and intelligence relationship.
Concerns are raised about Israeli espionage activities against the U.S. and the influence of AIPAC on Congress, leading to policies that entangle the U.S. too deeply.

"The bottom line is our political, military, and intelligence relationship with Israel has grown so close and so strong that we're almost unable to break away from it now."