Trump Asserts Continued Strikes on Houthis: ‘The Real Pain Is Yet to Come’
President Trump vowed to continue military strikes against the Houthis until they cease attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, declaring the U.S. retaliation has “only just begun.” He emphasized the ongoing success of operations that began in mid-March, directly addressing trade concerns about the Suez Canal and dismissing controversy over leaked communication about military plans.
President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to continue military operations against the Houthi rebels, asserting that these actions will persist until the group ceases its aggression towards commercial vessels in the Red Sea. He emphasized that the United States has “only just begun” its campaign of retaliation against the Iran-backed group. In a statement released on Truth Social, Trump noted, “The Iran-backed Houthi Terrorists have been decimated by the relentless strikes over the past two weeks. Many of their Fighters and Leaders are no longer with us.”
He further declared, “Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation,” expressing a clear ultimatum to the Houthis: cease attacks on U.S. vessels or face intensified military action. The Trump administration launched these strikes on March 15 after the Houthis threatened Israeli ships amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations related to the Gaza conflict.
Since the outset of 2023, the Houthis have targeted shipping routes crucial for trade, particularly along the busy Suez Canal. Details regarding the military plans were inadvertently revealed to journalist Jeffrey Goldberg just prior to their execution, after National Security Adviser Mike Waltz included Goldberg in a secure communication group. Vice President JD Vance, a member of this group, raised concerns over the strikes, emphasizing the disproportionate dependence of European trade on the Suez Canal compared to U.S. trade.
Despite the controversy surrounding the leaked communications, Trump defended the military operation as a success and refrained from dismissing any members of his staff linked to the leak. He dismissed the issue as a “witch hunt,” asserting that discussions about the Signal leak detracted from the operation’s accomplishments. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that an investigation into the leak had concluded without repercussions for staff members.
In summary, President Trump’s administration has pledged to intensify military strikes against the Houthis until they cease their attacks on commercial vessels. While acknowledging the significant impact on global trade, Trump remains firm in his approach, positioning these military actions as a necessary defense of maritime navigation and responding to threats posed by the Iran-backed group. The controversy surrounding the leaked communications has not hindered the administration’s stance on the operation’s success.
Original Source: nypost.com
Post Comment