US President Donald Trump initiated extensive military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, resulting in at least 31 fatalities, amid rising tensions over attacks on shipping. Trump stressed Iran’s obligation to cease its support for the Houthis, elevating military operations in a significant campaign that could last weeks and heighten the conflict’s humanitarian impact.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump ordered significant military strikes against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping. Initial reports indicated that the strikes resulted in the death of at least 24 individuals and are anticipated to continue for several days, marking a substantial US military operation in the region since Trump assumed office in January 2023.

President Trump cautioned Iran, the Houthis’ primary supporter, stating that it must cease its assistance to the group immediately. He warned that should Iran threaten the United States, the consequences would be severe, emphasizing, “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”

The strikes, described as the inception of a large-scale campaign, are part of the United States’ increased pressure on Iran amidst ongoing negotiations concerning its nuclear program. A US official noted that these operations might persist for several weeks, reflecting a shift towards a more aggressive military strategy as compared to previous administrations.

In an alarming update, the Houthi-run health ministry reported that the strikes have left at least 31 dead and over 100 injured, notably affecting women and children. In response, the Houthis condemned the strikes as a “war crime,” asserting their preparedness to respond to further escalations. Residents in Sanaa reported the violence of the explosions, likening their impact to an earthquake.

The US military targeted various strategic locations, including a power station in Dahyan, resulting in nationwide power outages. The Houthis have consistently launched attacks since November 2023, targeted mainly towards shipping in the Red Sea, which has posed significant threats to global commerce.

Despite the challenges facing Iran’s allies such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the Houthis have displayed resilience, executing direct assaults on shipping and military vessels. US officials have highlighted 174 attacks on American warships and 145 on commercial ships by the Houthis since 2023.

The recent US military actions involved fighter jets deployed from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and were characterized as a necessary response to protect freedom of navigation, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump indicated that “overwhelming lethal force” would be employed until their objectives were met, intensifying military posture in the region.

Iran’s representatives addressed Trump’s warnings, asserting that the US lacks the authority to dictate Iranian foreign policy. Furthermore, the Houthis announced their intention to renew attacks on Israeli vessels, which signifies an escalation following a brief period of calm. In the backdrop, Iran is reportedly accelerating uranium enrichment activities, a point of contention in international discourse regarding its nuclear capabilities.

In summary, the US military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict influenced by regional dynamics and international relations. President Trump’s firm stance against Iran reflects a shift towards more aggressive military strategies, aimed at curtailing threats to American and allied interests. The humanitarian toll of these actions raises serious concerns about the impact on civilians amidst the renewed military interventions.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com

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