The U.S. has initiated extensive airstrikes in Yemen against Houthi leaders, indicating a more aggressive military stance than under previous administrations. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized Iran’s role in supporting the Houthis while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed strikes would continue until Houthi attacks on shipping lanes cease. President Trump declared a robust response to any threats against American interests and reiterated demands for Iran to stop its backing of the Houthis.
U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed the elimination of several senior leaders of the Houthi terror group during recent airstrikes in Yemen. Although specific details regarding the total number of casualties have not been disclosed, Arab media reports suggest that six high-ranking officials were killed. Waltz emphasized that these strikes represent a significant escalation compared to previous actions taken under the Biden administration, which were more restrained and aimed solely at preventing imminent shipping threats.
Waltz characterized the recent military actions as a decisive response designed to dismantle the Houthi leadership and disrupt their operations, noting Iran’s responsibility for supporting the group. He asserted that Iran must cease its backing of the Houthis to prevent further escalation. Waltz reiterated that U.S. options remain open regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, warning that the U.S. will not accept a scenario in which Iran possesses nuclear weapons.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that U.S. operations will persist until the Houthis halt their attacks on international shipping lanes. He clarified that these military actions are not intended to influence Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict, stressing that the focus is strictly on neutralizing threats to maritime trade routes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that no ground operations in Yemen are planned, confirming that airstrikes will continue to ensure the Houthis can no longer target commercial vessels. The strikes began with multiple targets in Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa, and military reports indicate that the campaign will last for several days or weeks.
Multiple objectives underlie the U.S. offensive: to obliterate Houthi missile launchers threatening ships, eliminate leaders of the group, and deliver a stark message to Iran regarding its unwillingness to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. The strikes have prompted the Houthis to relocate their missile assets underground while they maintain their commitment to support Palestine, posing an ongoing threat to shipping in the Red Sea.
In response to the airstrikes, the Houthis warned of retaliation, identifying the U.S. attacks as a significant danger to maritime routes. Reports from Iran-backed media indicate that Houthi leadership is mobilizing to avoid potential settings of attack, demonstrating the group’s heightened awareness of U.S. military intentions.
Following the announcements of military operations, President Donald Trump declared a tough stance against Houthi aggression, vowing that attacks on American vessels would not be tolerated. He criticized previous administrations’ weakness in handling similar provocations and issued a warning that any threats to U.S. interests would face severe consequences, directly addressing Iran’s involvement as essential to the ongoing conflict.
The U.S. airstrikes in Yemen mark a significant escalation in military action against the Houthi group, aiming to dismantle their leadership and combat threats to shipping routes. The Trump administration’s approach emphasizes accountability for Iran’s support of the Houthis, signaling a strong commitment to safeguarding international maritime operations. Although the strikes have faced criticism and prompted retaliation threats from the Houthis, U.S. officials remain firm on their objectives and assert that operations will continue until the maritime threat is neutralized.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
