The U.S. and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are escalating tensions following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on shipping routes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump vowed to respond firmly to Houthi aggression. The Houthis announced reprisals and ongoing attacks on vessels, while Iran denied involvement in Houthi operations.
The U.S. and Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have both pledged to escalate their actions following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on military and commercial shipping in key maritime routes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. will not allow rebels to control shipping lanes, stating, “This will continue until they no longer have the capability to do that.” He highlighted that these strikes are not isolated retaliatory actions, contrasting them with previous responses under the Biden administration.
President Donald Trump reiterated a commitment to utilize “overwhelming lethal force” to stop Houthi aggression, asserting that Tehran would be held “fully accountable” for its influence over the rebels. Reports from the Houthi-run Health Ministry indicated that the recent airstrikes resulted in at least 31 deaths, with over 100 injuries in Sanaa and Saada.
Michael Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, noted that the strikes specifically targeted multiple Houthi leaders, although he did not disclose their identities or provide evidence. Rubio acknowledged the destruction of certain Houthi facilities during the strikes. The Houthis retaliated by announcing plans to respond to U.S. actions with an escalation of their own.
Historically, the Houthis have a record of targeting international shipping and conducting missile attacks against Israel, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Rubio reported that the Houthis have directly attacked U.S. naval forces 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times in the past 18 months.
The extensive U.S. airstrikes represent a significant escalation in military engagement since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Following a brief ceasefire in January, the Houthis indicated they would renew strikes on Israeli vessels, prompted by Israel’s humanitarian aid restrictions for Gaza.
Iran has denied accusations of supporting Houthi attacks. General Hossein Salami from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed Iran does not influence the operational strategies of allied militant groups. Additionally, Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned U.S. airstrikes, asserting that the U.S. has no authority to direct Iran’s foreign policy.
U.S. intelligence has long suggested that Iran provides military assistance to the Houthis, with previous naval operations resulting in the interception of Iranian weaponry. The latest U.S. airstrikes mark a notable shift, being the first under the Trump administration’s second term, conducted solely by U.S. forces. The USS Harry S. Truman and accompanying naval vessels are active in the Red Sea, involved in the continued military mission against the Houthis.
The U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi rebels signify a growing military commitment to securing shipping routes against Iranian-backed aggression. Both the U.S. and Houthis have declared intentions to escalate military actions. Ongoing tensions highlight the complex interplay of regional and international politics, with Iran denying direct involvement while being widely accused of supporting the Houthis. The situation remains volatile, with potential future implications for security and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.ottumwacourier.com
