U.S. Forces in Yemen

U.S. forces conducted the first known drone strike in Yemen in 2002, and have conducted periodic strikes against Al-Qaeda since 2009. In late 2023, Houthi militants began attacking shipping in the Red Sea in support of Palestinian militants in Gaza. In response, US-led forces began a campaign against the Houthis, with an escalation March-May 2025.

Airwars has documented all allegations of civilian harm from U.S. strikes in Yemen since 2009, and has produced a number of reports and investigations into the allegations of harm.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

443 – 642

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely U.S. Forces actions in Yemen for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the U.S. Forces. These originate from 153 separate alleged incidents.

90 – 110
children likely killed
38 – 57
women likely killed
470
likely injured
425
named victims

U.S. Forces estimate of civilian deaths

13

Confirmed civilian deaths, from U.S. Forces actions in Yemen, originating from 3 separate incidents of civilian harm.

2
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
542 – 828
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S. Forces actions in Yemen.
153 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
443 – 642
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S. Forces
97 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
39 – 52
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
30 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
60 – 134
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
26 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
0 seperate alleged incidents
597 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

25 September 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250925a

Location

Al Raqqas street, Sanaa, Yemen
شارع الرقاص

Summary

Published
7 May 2026
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250910a

Location

Yemen

Summary

Published
7 May 2026
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250910b

Location

Yemen

Summary

Published
7 May 2026
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250910c

Location

Yemen

Summary

Published
7 May 2026
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Incident Date

28 August 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250828a

Location

Yemen

Summary

Published
7 May 2026
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Incident Date

5 May 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250505a

Location

Al-Arbaeen Street, Saawan area, Shu'ub District, Sanaa, Sanaa, Yemen
شارع الأربعين، منطقة سعوان، منطقة شعوب، صنعاء
At least 14 people were reported injured by an alleged bombardment on Al-Arbaeen Street in the Sha’oub District of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a on 5 May, 2025. While most sources alleged US involvement, one source claimed the damage was due to a failed Houthi missile launched in an attempt to “intercept a US reconnaissance plane”. While…

Summary

Published
20 May 2025
View Incident