US President Trump Vows Continued Strikes on Houthis Amid Rising Tensions
US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis until they stop threatening maritime activities. The US launched operations against the rebels since March, resulting in casualties and escalated tensions. The Houthis have increased attacks on shipping routes, disrupting global trade, while Trump faces a scandal involving leaked sensitive information among senior officials.
The ongoing situation involving Yemeni rebels, particularly the Houthis, has become increasingly dire as US President Donald Trump announced that military strikes against them will persist until their threats to maritime activities are neutralized. Trump conveyed that the Houthis can choose to cease attacks on US ships to avoid further consequences. He expressed this sentiment on his Truth Social platform, warning of impending “real pain” for both the rebels and Iran, their primary backer.
Following Trump’s declaration, reports surfaced indicating that US air strikes targeted the island of Kamaran, located off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen. The military actions have escalated since March 15, when the US initiated an offensive aimed at curtailing the Houthis’ influence over critical maritime routes, leading to claims of numerous casualties among the rebels and civilians alike. The Houthis responded by intensifying their assaults on US military vessels and Israel.
President Trump noted that the escalation had significantly weakened the Houthis, specifically mentioning that they had been “decimated” due to relentless US strikes. He reassured that US forces continue to aggressively target the rebels night and day. This combative announcement comes alongside other pressing issues for the administration, including a scandal regarding the unintentional release of sensitive information by senior officials discussing the Yemen operations via a secure messaging app.
Amid these military operations, the Houthis have initiated attacks on international shipping, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza war. These actions have resulted in navigational disruptions through the Suez Canal, a critical maritime passage that usually accommodates a significant portion of global trade. Consequently, many shipping companies are now compelled to take longer and more expensive routes around Africa.
In light of these challenges, Trump reiterated that US strikes will continue until freedom of navigation is entirely safeguarded. This resolute posture is compounded by the political implications surrounding the leaking of sensitive information within the Trump administration, although Trump has dismissed calls for accountability regarding the officials involved in the scandal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stated that the matter is considered concluded from the administration’s perspective.
The situation in Yemen remains precarious as President Trump reinforces military action against the Houthis, asserting that strikes will persist until they cease their attacks on shipping. The Houthis’ actions not only threaten maritime security but also pose significant implications for international trade. Amidst these military engagements, the Trump administration faces internal challenges, yet remains firm in its commitment to protecting freedom of navigation in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
