Trump Orders Airstrikes on Houthi Rebels in Yemen Amid Escalating Tensions
President Trump ordered airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, committing to use powerful military force until attacks on navigation cease. The operation aims to protect American assets and restore security in vital maritime corridors. The Houthis responded, indicating their resolve to retaliate. This marks a notable escalation in U.S.-Houthi tensions, especially as the humanitarian crisis in Yemen persists amidst political complexities.
On Saturday, President Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have been attacking vital maritime routes. He asserted that the U.S. would employ “overwhelming lethal force” until these assaults cease, noting the rebels’ attacks have resulted in casualties. The Houthis reported that nine civilians were killed in these strikes.
Trump affirmed the mission’s objective, stating that the U.S. military is attacking the rebels’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American interests and ensure navigational freedom. He issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the country would be held “fully accountable” for supporting the Houthis’ activities.
Following the airstrikes, significant explosions were reported in Houthi-controlled areas, with imagery depicting smoke over the Sanaa airport complex. Houthi officials communicated that retaliation against U.S. forces was imminent, with the deputy head of the Houthi media office expressing a commitment to support Gaza amid ongoing hostilities.
These airstrikes occurred shortly after the Houthis indicated intentions to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in the region as a response to the blockade on Gaza. Despite the tensions, there had been no reports of Houthi assaults leading up to the strikes, which were the first carried out by the Trump administration during its second term.
The Houthis had previously conducted missile and drone attacks on over 100 merchant vessels since late 2023, contributing to rising tensions in the Red Sea and impacting the maritime economy significantly. The strikes were executed solely by U.S. forces, aided by the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and the USS Georgia submarine.
“These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump remarked, emphasizing the economic implications of Houthi attacks and reinforcing the justification for the military response.
In summary, President Trump’s recent airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen highlight a critical escalation of U.S. military involvement in response to ongoing threats to maritime security. The Houthis’ violent actions and Iran’s complicity have drawn firm reprisals, underscoring a complex geopolitical landscape that continues to evolve. The situation remains tense, particularly regarding the Houthis’ declared intentions to support aggressive actions against Israeli interests.
Original Source: www.kunc.org
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