President Trump ordered air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting their leaders due to increased maritime attacks on Israeli and allied vessels. The strikes are part of a broader strategy to assert U.S. influence in the region and hold Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump ordered air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Houthi leaders. The White House indicated this military action served as a warning to Iran to terminate its support for the rebel group. The decision was made in light of the Houthis’ increasing attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, coinciding with the recent Gaza conflict.

Following the onset of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthi rebels intensified their military operations, striking over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones. Although the rebels claimed their actions targeted vessels linked to Israel or its allies, some attacked ships had no direct involvement in the conflict. This campaign tragically led to the sinking of two vessels and resulted in the deaths of four sailors.

Despite a ceasefire in Gaza that commenced in mid-January, the Houthis announced their intention to resume assaults targeting Israeli vessels after Israel ceased aid to Gaza as part of the ongoing negotiations to extend the truce. The areas of concern extend beyond the Red Sea, encompassing the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Arabian Sea.

President Trump emphasized the necessity of the strikes, asserting they were aimed at safeguarding U.S. shipping and restoring navigational freedom in crucial maritime routes. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, along with other naval vessels, participated in the operation, which is the sole responsibility of the U.S. military, differing from prior strikes that included contributions from Israel and Britain.

The Houthi rebels, facing dire economic strain amid Yemen’s prolonged conflict, have seen their influence grow amidst the instability. With pressure mounting on Iran, which has historically supported both the Houthis and Hamas, Trump’s administration aims to hold Iran accountable for the actions of its proxies in the region. This military response also reflects the State Department’s recent reinstatement of the “foreign terrorist organization” designation for the Houthis, leading to sanctions against supporters of the group.

In conclusion, the U.S. air strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels are a strategic response to the escalation of maritime attacks that threaten international shipping routes. President Trump’s administration aims to curb Iranian influence in the region and restore navigational freedom. This military action underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Gaza, as well as the broader implications for U.S.-Iran relations.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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