U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Result in 53 Fatalities Amid Rising Tensions
The U.S. conducted airstrikes in Yemen, killing at least 53, amid escalating conflict with Houthi rebels. President Trump warned of severe consequences for the militants attacking international shipping. Secretary of State Rubio stated strikes would continue until the Houthis cease their operations. The Houthis vowed retaliation, indicating ongoing hostilities.
The recent United States airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen have resulted in significant casualties, with the Houthi-run Health Ministry reporting at least 53 fatalities, including five women and two children. Moreover, more than 100 individuals sustained injuries in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital. The U.S. has intensified its military actions against the Iran-backed Houthis, following President Donald Trump’s pledge to employ “overwhelming lethal force” in response to the group’s attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea region.
The strikes commenced around midnight on Sunday, impacting multiple locations within Sanaa and extending to the Houthi stronghold province of Sadaa. President Trump specifically addressed the need for the Houthis to cease their assaults on international vessels, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Red Sea as a vital maritime corridor. He warned of severe reprisals, stating that “hell will rain down” on the Houthis if their aggression persists.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the airstrikes would persist until the Houthis relinquish their capabilities to target international shipping, citing that the group had engaged the U.S. Navy directly 174 times and commercial shipping 145 times during the past 18 months utilizing sophisticated anti-ship weaponry. Although the Houthis temporarily ceased attacks following a Gaza ceasefire in January, they indicated they would resume hostilities against Israeli assets after humanitarian aid was restricted by Israel.
Trump’s National Security Adviser, Michael Waltz, reported that the recent strikes led to the elimination of several key Houthi figures, although he did not provide specific names or supporting evidence. Following these military actions, the Houthis asserted their intent to respond proportionately, with claims of targeting the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group using drones and at least one missile. Despite the attacks, U.S. defense systems successfully intercepted most threats, ensuring the carrier group’s safety.
While the Trump administration pursued accountability from Iran for the Houthis’ actions, the Iranian Foreign Ministry refuted allegations of involvement, asserting that the U.S. cannot dictate its foreign policies.
The situation remains volatile as the Houthis have vowed to retaliate against U.S. military actions, suggesting an escalation in the ongoing conflict between these factions in the region.
The U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen have resulted in numerous casualties, and significant military engagement is expected to continue. President Trump and officials have underscored the need to protect international shipping routes from Houthi attacks, while the Houthis have committed to responding defensively to U.S. actions. The broader implications of these conflicts, including Iran’s involvement, reflect the complexity of regional dynamics and escalating tensions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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