The U.S. and Houthi rebels vow escalation following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Secretary of State Rubio states it will persist until Houthi capabilities are reduced while Trump calls for overwhelming force. Casualties from strikes reported, with accusations of Iranian support complicating the response. The situation signals heightened tensions and risks in maritime conflict.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have both committed to escalation following recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on military and commercial shipping in critical maritime routes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. will not allow the Houthis to control shipping access and stated, “It will go on until they no longer have the capability to do that.” This approach diverges from the previous administration’s limited retaliatory strikes.
President Trump declared the intention to employ “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthis abandon their assaults, asserting Iran’s accountability for their actions. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported significant casualties from the strikes, with at least 31 killed and over 100 injured in Sanaa and Saada, the group’s stronghold.
Michael Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, mentioned the airstrikes targeted and eliminated multiple Houthi leaders, although specific identities and evidentiary support were not provided. Rubio also noted that significant Houthi facilities were destroyed during this operation. The Houthis responded, indicating their intention to escalate in response to U.S. actions.
The Houthis have a history of targeting international shipping and launching missiles at Israel, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Rubio revealed that there have been 174 direct attacks on the U.S. Navy and 145 assaults on commercial shipping using precision weaponry over the past 18 months, signaling the intensity of the ongoing maritime conflict.
The latest U.S. airstrikes represent one of the chief military actions against the Houthis since the Gaza war commenced in October 2023. Although Houthi operations receded with a temporary ceasefire in Gaza in January, fresh threats against Israeli vessels emerged after Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a reaction to Trump’s remarks, Iran denied involvement with Houthi operations, with Gen. Hossein Salami claiming no influence on the operational decisions of allied militant groups. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged the U.S. to cease its airstrikes and criticized any claims dictating Iran’s foreign policy. Previous accusations from the U.S. about Iranian military support to the Houthis have intensified, particularly following the discovery of Iranian weaponry destined for the rebels.
The airstrike operation was primarily U.S.-led and marked the first direct action against the Houthis under the current Trump administration. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, including multiple naval vessels, has been active in the Red Sea during this mission, indicating a robust military presence in the region.
The airstrikes by the U.S. mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the Houthis. Both sides are preparing for further confrontations, emphasizing the risks in the Red Sea maritime corridor and the repercussions of international involvement in regional conflicts. Iran’s denial of support to the Houthis highlights the complexities of geopolitical alliances in this turbulent region. Ultimately, the situation remains unstable, with potential for heightened military engagement.
Original Source: www.clickondetroit.com
