Trump Initiates Military Strikes Against Yemen’s Houthis, Casualties Reported
President Trump ordered military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis due to their attacks on Red Sea shipping, resulting in at least 31 deaths. The operation, which could last for weeks, signifies significant U.S. military action in the region. Trump warned Iran to cease support for the Houthis, and this conflict continues to threaten regional stability amid rising tensions involving international actors.
On Saturday, United States President Donald Trump ordered significant military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, aligned with Iran, following their recent assaults on Red Sea shipping. Initial reports indicate at least 31 casualties, including women and children, marking the commencement of an extensive military campaign expected to persist for an extended period. Trump warned Iran to cease support for the Houthis, stating, “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”
These military operations signify the largest U.S. action in the Middle East since Trump’s inauguration and reflect an increase in sanctions pressure on Tehran. Trump articulated an ultimatum via his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the urgency for Houthis to halt their attacks, proclaiming, “YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
The Houthis criticized the attacks, labelling them a “war crime.” Their spokesperson reported the strikes predominantly affected civilians, resulting in a significant number of injuries as well. Reports indicate that the U.S. coordinated attacks involved aircraft from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, and U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes aimed to diminish Houthi military capabilities.
Trump deemed the escalating situation intolerable and threatened further military action should the Houthis persist in hostile activities against U.S. assets. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, denounced the U.S. intervention, insisting on the sovereignty of Iranian policy while condemning the actions against the Yemeni populace.
In the broader context, the Houthis have consistently challenged commercial maritime operations, intensifying their offensive since last November, with reports of multiple attacks on U.S. vessels and other commercial ships. Despite previous attempts by the Biden administration to counteract the Houthis’ military reach, the current regime under Trump appears committed to a more confrontational strategy.
Recent developments in the region, including Houthis’ threats to renew attacks on Israeli ships following a lull since January, coupled with Iran’s escalating uranium enrichment, add to the complexity of the situation. Last year, U.S. actions against Iranian military infrastructure diminished Tehran’s capabilities, raising concerns about regional stability and potential escalatory pathways. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s outreach to Russia’s Foreign Minister regarding the strikes further emphasizes the intertwined dynamics of international relations in this conflict.
In summary, President Trump’s initiation of military action against the Houthis in Yemen represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the region. The strikes have resulted in considerable civilian casualties and reflect a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East. As tensions escalate, the responses from both Iran and the Houthis indicate a potential for prolonged conflict, with ongoing threats to maritime security complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
