Trump Initiates Major Strikes Against Yemen’s Houthis, Resulting in Casualties
President Trump launched military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, resulting in at least 31 fatalities. This operation, expected to continue for several days, is the largest U.S. Arab engagement during Trump’s presidency. Trump warned Iran to cease support for the Houthis, while Iranian officials proclaimed their independence and warned of retaliation against threats.
U.S. President Donald Trump initiated extensive military strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, responding to their attacks on Red Sea shipping, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 individuals. This campaign, anticipated to extend over several days, reflects the largest U.S. military action in the region since Trump assumed office. Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating, “America will hold you fully accountable.”
In reaction to the strikes, the top commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, asserted that the Houthis operate independently, emphasizing that any threats would be met with a decisive response from Iran. U.S. officials indicated that the military operations could potentially last for weeks, amidst increased sanctions on Tehran to seek negotiations over its nuclear program.
Trump expressed strong condemnation towards the Houthis via social media, stating, “YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY.” Reports indicate that at least 31 people were killed and over 100 injured, predominantly women and children, according to Houthi health officials. The political bureau of the Houthis characterized the strikes as a “war crime.”
The U.S. strikes targeted Houthi positions in key regions including Taiz and Dahyan, causing significant destruction. Witnesses described the explosions as extremely violent, with one resident stating, “They terrified our women and children.” The Houthi movement, which has been involved in ongoing maritime attacks, has justified their actions as solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict involving Hamas.
The Pentagon revealed that the Houthis had previously launched numerous attacks against U.S. and commercial vessels, prompting a more assertive response from the Trump administration compared to previous efforts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that such actions against U.S. entities would be “tolerated.”
The Iranian government condemned the U.S. strikes as a violation of international law, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi firmly opposing U.S. involvement in influencing Iranian foreign policies. On the same day, the Houthis announced their intent to resume attacks on Israeli shipping, reinstating a pattern of escalated conflict in the region.
Recent communications between Trump and Iran’s leadership, including a letter seeking negotiations, have been met with rejection from Iranian officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s outreach to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding the strikes underscores the complexity of international relations, especially given Russia’s dependence on Iranian weaponry in ongoing conflicts.
The recent military operation by President Trump against Yemen’s Houthis marks a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the region, representing the largest such campaign during his presidency. This action is a direct consequence of Houthis’ attacks on shipping routes and a broader strategy to apply pressure on Iran. Notably, the operations have resulted in serious casualties among civilians, leading to international condemnation and highlighting the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the Houthis’ willingness to escalate their adversarial actions in response to external military interventions.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
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