Houthi Conflict: U.S. Military Strikes and Warnings of Annihilation
The U.S. intensified military action against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have declared war against the U.S. and continue their attacks amid escalating tensions. President Trump demands Iran cease support for the Houthis, while the rebels claim autonomy in their actions. The humanitarian crisis remains severe as both sides navigate the complexities of war and governance.
The Houthi rebels, considered a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and supported by Iran, recently intensified their operations by firing missiles towards Israel from Yemen. President Trump has reiterated calls for Iran to halt its support of the Houthis, stating they will face total annihilation. In response to these developments, the U.S. has resumed an airstrike campaign aimed at Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming for success where prior efforts had faltered.
The U.S. Navy has engaged in extensive military actions over six days, targeting Houthi leadership and facilities. Houthi Foreign Minister Jamal Amer declared, “At the end of the day, we are at war with America” while asserting that civilian casualties are not part of their casualties. The Houthis have reported numerous injuries and fatalities from U.S. strikes, which the U.S. attributes to the Houthis’ actions.
The Houthis recently escalated their maritime campaign, targeting vessels in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with Gaza, though their actions extended beyond this stated aim. Following a ceasefire, the Houthis resumed targeting vessels after Israel restricted humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized a commitment to continuing strikes until the Houthis cease their assaults on maritime assets.
Regarding potential escalation, Jamal Amer indicated that Houthi attacks may expand in retaliation against U.S. operations in the region. Amer expressed that the Houthi strategy will pivot based on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating, “When the siege on Gaza ends, the tension in the Red Sea will end.”
The conflict involves the Houthis’ claim over wealth and governance in Yemen, challenged by the internationally recognized government supported by a Saudi-led coalition. Secretary Hegseth articulated that U.S. objectives focus on ensuring maritime navigation’s security and not on the Yemeni civil war itself, attributing the Houthi longevity to Iranian backing.
Despite claims of autonomy, the Houthis’ relationship with Iran has prompted inquiries about their strategic decisions. Amer refuted that Iran controls their actions, asserting Yemen’s sovereignty. Critics assert that the Houthis are not governing for the people but rather for their own agenda, which includes an oppressive regime marked by arrests of humanitarian workers and detentions of U.N. staff.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains dire, exacerbated by violence and ongoing conflict. The U.S. military has accused the Houthis of withholding food aid, which Amer justified as a necessity during military threats against their capital, emphasizing a need to protect civilians.
The ongoing conflict involving the Houthis, U.S. military operations, and Iranian support highlights a complex geopolitical landscape. Despite U.S. military efforts to curb Houthi aggression, the group maintains its stance against the U.S. and proclaims its sovereignty. The humanitarian situation in Yemen further complicates the discourse on governance and accountability, challenging the prospects for peace and resolution.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
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