Trump Warns Houthi Rebels of Imminent Annihilation Amid Airstrikes
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels of ‘complete annihilation’ amid ongoing airstrikes targeting their sites as he aims to deter Iranian support for the group. Strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage, further escalating the conflict while raising humanitarian concerns amidst allegations of the Houthis misappropriating aid.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, stating they would be “completely annihilated” amid intensified American airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas. Airstrikes struck Sanaa, the capital, and Saada, the group’s stronghold, with reports indicating substantial damage and civilian casualties, including children. The exact locations targeted have not been disclosed by the U.S. military since the campaign commenced, but initial strikes resulted in at least 53 fatalities.
Trump conveyed his message on his Truth Social platform, noting the “tremendous damage” inflicted on the Houthis, stating, “Watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be.” He emphasized his determination to press Iran to cease any military support for the rebels, asserting that Tehran’s supply efforts had diminished without providing evidence for this claim.
Iran has historically supported the Houthis, who belong to the Shiite Zaydi sect that ruled Yemen until 1962. Although Tehran denies these allegations, experts and prior weapon seizures suggest otherwise, likely to avoid repercussions of violating a U.N. arms embargo. In response to Trump’s assertions, Iranian state media characterized them as “baseless accusations,” reiterating comments from Iran’s U.N. ambassador.
The Houthi rebels have recently targeted over 100 merchant vessels, leading to the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors between November 2023 and January, coinciding with a ceasefire in Gaza. This military activity has notably raised their profile within the Arab community.
Compounding the conflict, the Houthi-run SABA news agency acknowledged that the rebels had improperly extracted food aid from a World Food Program warehouse, taking approximately 20% without authorization. Due to increasing violence and human rights concerns, the United Nations suspended operations in Saada earlier this year, following the detention of several U.N. staff members, one of whom died in custody.
In conclusion, President Trump’s threats against the Houthi rebels underscore a significant escalation in U.S. military action in the region, while he simultaneously pressures Iran to halt its support. The humanitarian implications are severe, with reports of civilian casualties and the Houthi rebels’ appropriation of aid, raising questions about the ongoing conflict’s impact on Yemen’s stability and humanitarian situation. The confrontation represents a complex intersection of military strategy and regional politics, demanding careful attention from the international community.
Original Source: time.com
Post Comment