Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, stating they protect global shipping. The strikes respond to ongoing threats posed by the Houthis, who have attacked U.S. naval vessels and commercial shipping. The U.S. will maintain pressure until the Houthis are incapacitated and unable to attack maritime traffic.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are essential for global security. The airstrikes aim to neutralize the Houthis’ capacity to disrupt international shipping and threaten U.S. military forces, which Rubio asserts is beneficial for the global community. The operation will persist until the Houthis can no longer strike at global shipping lines.
President Trump announced these military actions, emphasizing the commitment to apply “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis if they do not halt their attacks on shipping. U.S. Central Command has confirmed the initiation of airstrikes and is prepared for an extended campaign over several weeks, reliant on the Houthis’ responses.
The Houthis, labeled a foreign terrorist organization by Trump in January after an earlier designation by Biden was reversed, have recently threatened to attack Israeli vessels in retaliation for Gaza assistance issues. Rubio clarified that the current strikes are meant to significantly diminish the Houthis’ control over critical shipping lanes, marking this campaign as more than reactive; it’s a proactive strategy.
Over the past 18 months, the Houthis have targeted approximately 174 U.S. naval vessels and conducted an additional 145 attacks on commercial shipping. Rubio described them as a “band of pirates” armed with sophisticated anti-ship weaponry, posing a major threat in this crucial maritime corridor.
When asked about the duration of the campaign, Rubio confirmed that operations would continue until the Houthis are fully incapacitated, while also indicating that no plans for ground troops are currently in place. He noted that key Houthi personnel involved in missile launches have already been eliminated, and efforts to dismantle their infrastructure will proceed.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has articulated the strategic importance of U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to ensure global shipping security. These operations are designed to eliminate the Houthis’ capabilities to conduct maritime attacks, thereby addressing threats to the U.S. military and international trade. The campaign is set to continue until the Houthis are no longer a threat, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to protecting vital shipping lanes.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
