President Trump stated that the U.S. will annihilate the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen amid ongoing military strikes. The strikes are a response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and serve as a warning to Iran to halt its support. U.S. officials estimate that Houthi casualties are rising, while claims of civilian impact remain disputed.
President Trump announced that the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen will face “complete annihilation” as the U.S. military continues its operations against them. He urged Iran to cease its support to the Houthis and allow them to handle their conflicts internally. This action follows an increase in Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, prompting U.S. military strikes targeting Houthi military installations.
The U.S. military has notably attacked Houthi training centers and command structures since the weekend, aiming to secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Trump noted, “Tremendous damage has been inflicted” during these strikes, which he claimed would only escalate, as the U.S. aims to dismantle Houthi capabilities completely.
The Houthis have aligned with Hamas, attacking vessels to express solidarity following the escalation of the Gaza conflict, which began after Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. After a temporary cease-fire earlier this year, hostilities resumed as negotiations stalled and humanitarian access to Gaza was restricted.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed the administration’s stance against Houthi threats to American interests and reiterated that Iran is “on notice” due to its support for these attacks. The Houthis claimed responsibility for multiple strikes against U.S. naval assets, but U.S. officials have disputed their effectiveness, highlighting a lack of precision in the Houthi operations.
General Alexus G. Grynkewich described the Houthi claims of successful attacks as unsubstantiated, stating they were off target. Initial assessments from U.S. strikes reported significant Houthi casualties, yet no civilian harm. Meanwhile, a Houthi spokesperson reported conflicting figures, claiming over 50 casualties from U.S. actions.
According to the Defense Department, since the beginning of 2023, the Houthis targeted U.S. naval vessels aggressively, with around 170 attacks on warships and 145 on commercial vessels. The recent hostage crisis involving the MV Galaxy Leader illustrates the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis in regional waters.
In summary, President Trump’s aggressive stance against the Houthis, bolstered by military operations in Yemen, seeks to deter Iranian influence and protect maritime interests in the Red Sea. As the U.S. military escalates its efforts, the international community closely watches the unfolding conflict, highlighting the complexities of regional dynamics influenced by Iran and various militant factions. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for security and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
