The U.S. conducted airstrikes in Yemen against Houthi militants, resulting in numerous casualties and promising retaliation from the Houthis. The situation escalates following the Houthis’ history of attacks on maritime shipping. U.S. officials stress the necessity of these actions for controlling key shipping lanes, while Iranian officials deny direct involvement in Houthi operations.
The U.S. has conducted airstrikes in Yemen targeting Iran-backed Houthi militants to deter their attacks on military and commercial shipping. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported at least 53 fatalities, including five women and two children, and nearly 100 injuries across various provinces. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the strikes aim to prevent the Houthis from controlling maritime routes, stating, “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot.”
President Trump declared the use of “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthi provocations cease and asserted that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for their actions. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on shipping vessels, advocating for what they view as support for Palestinians in Gaza. Previously, hostilities subsided during a ceasefire but have reignited following an Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid.
The recent U.S. airstrikes marked one of the most extensive military actions against the Houthis amid ongoing regional conflicts. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz noted that the strikes targeted multiple Houthi leaders, although specific identities were not disclosed. Rubio affirmed that facilities used by the Houthis were destroyed.
In response, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi promised retaliation, stating, “We will confront escalation with escalation.” He warned of missile strikes and attacks on U.S. vessels should aggression continue. The Houthis have a record of targeting U.S. military assets, with a recent claim of attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group.
Reports indicate that the Houthis launched 11 drones and a missile in retaliation, but U.S. defenses intercepted most of these attacks. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint, cautioning about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Rubio highlighted that the Houthis have attacked U.S. Navy vessels 174 times and targeted commercial shipping 145 times in the past 18 months.
Iranian officials denied involvement in Houthi operations, asserting that they do not dictate the strategies of allied groups. Despite these denials, the U.S. asserts that Iran provides military aid to the Houthis, evidenced by seized Iranian weaponry in the region. This U.S. operation marks a significant escalation in military engagement with the Houthis during the current Trump administration, with active deployments from the USS Harry S. Truman strike group and other Navy vessels in the Red Sea.
The recent U.S. airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen have provoked a strong response from both the Houthis and Iranian officials. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly in relation to maritime security and humanitarian concerns. As military engagements increase, the prospects for resolution become more complex, with significant implications for regional stability.
Original Source: www.kgns.tv
