President Trump launched extensive military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, killing at least 31 and injuring many others. This initiative is a response to Houthi disruptions of maritime shipping, coinciding with increasing sanctions on Iran. The strikes represent a significant escalation of U.S. military operations under Trump’s administration, aimed at countering threats created by the Houthis and restoring navigation security in the Red Sea.
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated large-scale military strikes against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, citing their attacks on Red Sea shipping. At least 24 fatalities were reported at the onset of operations expected to extend over several days. The campaign marks the largest U.S. military engagement in the Middle East since Trump assumed office, coinciding with increased sanctions on Iran to foster negotiations regarding its nuclear program.
Trump issued a stern warning to Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, asserting, “if Iran threatened the United States, America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” The strikes resulted in at least 31 deaths, with numerous injuries predominantly among women and children, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. The Houthis condemned the strikes as a “war crime” and declared readiness to respond to escalations with their own force.
Reports indicated that the U.S. strikes targeted a building in a Houthi stronghold in Sanaa and a power station in Dahyan, causing significant disruptions. Witnesses described the explosions as seismic, significantly frightening local residents. The Houthis have been implicated in attacking ships since November 2023, prompting U.S. military engagement to secure maritime routes and counter missile threats.
The Pentagon indicated that the Houthis had carried out 174 attacks on U.S. warships and 145 attacks on commercial vessels within the year. Despite setbacks faced by Iran’s allies like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Houthis maintain an aggressive posture, disrupting international shipping and necessitating longer maritime routes for shipping companies.
The strikes were executed with support from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that Houthi aggression against U.S. interests will not be tolerated and highlighted a commitment to restoring freedom of navigation. Trump implied that the military response could escalate significantly if provoked further.
Iran’s officials criticized U.S. actions, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissing the U.S. as having no rights to dictate Iranian policy. The Houthis also signaled the resumption of attacks against Israeli vessels, marking a departure from a recent ceasefire. Amidst these developments, public sentiment in Iran is reportedly on edge due to economic crises, raising concerns over potential civil unrest within the country.
In summary, President Trump has initiated extensive military strikes against the Houthi forces in Yemen, citing threats to maritime security. The U.S. response is characterized by a warning to Iran regarding its involvement with the Houthis, as casualties rise due to the strikes. This military operation represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the region, aiming to counter Houthi aggression and restore maritime safety amidst ongoing tensions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
