US Launches Large-Scale Strikes Against Yemen’s Houthi Rebels
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized extensive military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping. The operation, which is expected to last several days, has already resulted in at least 24 fatalities.
Key Developments:
- The strikes represent the largest U.S. military offensive in the Middle East since Trump took office.
- Targets included key Houthi strongholds as part of Washington’s broader strategy to pressure Iran, which provides support to the group.
- Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding an end to its backing of the Houthis and threatening severe consequences for continued support.
- In a statement on Truth Social, Trump declared: “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
Impact and Reactions:
- The Houthis have been attacking shipping vessels off Yemen’s coast since November 2023, also targeting U.S. warships.
- These disruptions to global shipping have led the U.S. to undertake a costly defensive campaign to intercept missiles and drones.
- The strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including 13 deaths in the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa and 11, including children, in Saada province.
- The Houthi political bureau condemned the attacks as a “war crime” and vowed retaliation.
U.S. Justification and Response:
- The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the operation aims to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to curb Houthi activities, asserting that “freedom of navigation will be restored.”
- The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed ongoing operations against Iran-backed Houthis, reiterating their commitment to securing maritime routes.
- Trump, who authorized the use of overwhelming force, underscored the necessity of neutralizing the threat to U.S. shipping interests.
Geopolitical Context:
- The strikes follow a diplomatic effort by Trump, who sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei seeking talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Khamenei rejected the proposal earlier this week.
The U.S. military campaign against the Houthis marks a significant escalation in Middle Eastern conflicts, with potential repercussions for regional stability. While the operation aims to protect global shipping and deter further attacks, it has also raised concerns over civilian casualties and the risk of wider confrontation. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for further actions.
