Trump Celebrates Successful Drone Strike Against Houthi Terrorists in Yemen
Donald Trump celebrated a U.S. drone strike on Houthis in Yemen, sharing a video on Truth Social. The strike reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to combat Houthi aggression, which has disrupted global shipping and affected the Suez Canal’s traffic. Despite military operations like Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Houthis’ capabilities remain a significant threat to maritime security.
Former President Donald Trump recently celebrated a drone strike targeting Houthi terrorists in Western Yemen, which was conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Trump shared a video of the strike on his Truth Social page, expressing satisfaction and stating, “These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!”
The drone footage captures a group of Houthis before a sizable explosion, resulting in the destruction of two trucks and presumably the elimination of those present. The exact timing of this drone strike remains unspecified, yet it reflects ongoing U.S. attempts to combat this Iran-aligned group since the conclusion of the Biden administration.
In reaction to regional tensions, particularly the Houthi missile and drone attacks on Western vessels following Israel’s actions in Gaza in November 2023, the U.S. has intermittently targeted the Houthis. The continued assaults have disrupted global shipping routes, particularly affecting the vital Suez Canal, and increased maritime transit times significantly.
Despite active engagements over more than a year, the U.S. has struggled to curtail Houthi operations, prompting the initiation of Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 18, 2023. This coalition effort aimed to protect crucial waterways against Houthi threats but came with limited success, as commercial traffic through the Suez Canal remains diminished by approximately 50 percent since November 2023.
As of now, it has been over a year since a U.S.-flagged commercial vessel has successfully navigated through key maritime channels without facing Houthi aggression. The group’s formidable capabilities in disrupting shipping stem from their operational flexibility and cost-efficiency, utilizing drones with minimal infrastructure required for deployment.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the ongoing nature of military operations against the Houthis, stating, “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.” Trump further warned the Houthis must cease their aggressions or face severe consequences.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi countered with a promise to target U.S. Navy ships unless American attacks against Yemen ceased, leading to a cycle of escalated conflict. U.S. military actions aimed at thwarting these Houthi strikes reflect a larger commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation within this critical waterway, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran’s support for the Houthis.
In summary, the U.S. has intensified military efforts against the Houthis in response to their disruptive actions in the Red Sea. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining safe maritime routes while navigating the complexities of regional security and Iranian influence. Despite significant U.S. operations, the Houthis continue to pose a substantial threat to global shipping, underscoring the need for sustained international cooperation to address these challenges.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
