The US has initiated indefinite airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis following severe attacks by the group, with casualties including women and children. Defense officials claim the strikes aim to deter Houthi aggression and signal a tougher stance against Iran. The Houthis retaliate by threatening further aggression towards Israel and claiming violations of international law by the US. Concerns over humanitarian impacts rise amid ongoing military actions.
US officials have confirmed that airstrikes against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis will persist indefinitely, following initial attacks that resulted in at least 31 fatalities and around 100 injuries. The strikes were initiated to deter Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping routes and represent President Trump’s first military engagement in the region since taking office in January.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the campaign will continue until the Houthis cease their aggression against US assets. He stated, “The minute the Houthis say ‘we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones’, this campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting.” This reflects a broader strategy to counter Iran’s influence in the region.
National Security Adviser Michael Waltz noted that military actions specifically targeted Houthi leaders, utilizing overwhelming force to demonstrate US resolve against Iranian support for the Houthis. In a message on Truth Social, President Trump warned the Houthis that they must cease attacks or face severe consequences.
The Houthis, who have controlled significant areas of Yemen for the past decade, assert that their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas, receiving Iranian backing. Recent missile launches towards Israel, including a missile landing near Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, were reported by Israeli officials.
In response to US military threats, Iranian officials maintain that the Houthis act independently and have vowed strong retaliation if the US escalates actions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as violations of international law, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized US directives on Iranian foreign policy.
The US has recently intensified sanctions on Iran to push it back to negotiations regarding its nuclear initiatives. Observers speculate whether military confrontation with Iran will occur, especially under influence from Israel. The US Central Command described the strikes as the commencement of a broader operation, possibly lasting weeks, executed by aircraft from the Harry S Truman carrier group.
The Houthis are an integral component of the Iranian-supported “axis of resistance,” distinguishing themselves as resilient amid ongoing regional conflicts. Reports state that most casualties from the US strikes are women and children, calling the attacks a “war crime,” according to the Houthi political bureau.
Residents in Sana’a reported significant destruction and trauma, noting the violent nature of the strikes. Medical facilities were overwhelmed with injured victims, including children, raising concerns over the humanitarian implications of continued military actions. In conjunction with this, the Houthis announced their return to aggressive actions against Israeli vessels, following a ceasefire that had allowed for a temporary reduction in hostilities since January.
The US government has committed to continued airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen, marking a significant shift in military policy under President Trump. These actions aim to counter threats to international shipping and demonstrate strength against Iran’s regional influence. Reactions from Iran emphasize independence and resolve, while humanitarian concerns arise due to civilian casualties. The ongoing situation suggests potential escalation in the broader Middle Eastern conflict involving multiple actors.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
