In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, President Trump has announced a “decisive” military action targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This strategic move aims to counter the Iran-backed group, which has been aggressively threatening vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea. According to Trump, the U.S. will employ “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis until American objectives are fully achieved.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump detailed the ongoing threats posed by the Houthis, stating, “They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American and other ships, aircraft, and drones.” He emphasized that U.S. personnel are already conducting aerial strikes on Houthi bases, leadership, and missile defense systems to safeguard American shipping and restore Navigational Freedom.
Trump has confirmed that he approved the Houthi strike plan last week, having requested it to be developed weeks prior. The final order for the military action was given on Saturday, initiating what officials describe as a sustained offensive against Houthi positions in Yemen. Some Congressional members received briefings from the White House regarding this military campaign on the same day.
Future actions will depend on the evaluations of the damage inflicted during these strikes, according to a U.S. defense official speaking to CNN. However, further operations against the Houthis are anticipated over the coming weeks. Organizing a larger campaign required extensive intelligence collection, which has recently been completed, allowing for more extensive strikes on Houthi capabilities.
The U.S. has been actively working to undermine Houthi capabilities for several months, as the group has been increasingly targeting international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. These actions have been framed as retaliatory measures linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Houthis have launched attacks on over 100 vessels using drones, missiles, and small ships.
In a bid to counteract these threats, the Biden administration previously conducted targeted strikes against Houthi positions in October and November, focusing on underground weapons storage facilities. Nonetheless, these measures did not fully deter the ongoing assaults. Despite the Houthis' earlier commitment to halt attacks on ships under a ceasefire agreement, they have continued their operations, citing grievances related to the Gaza conflict.
The Houthis have stated their attacks will persist until humanitarian crossings into the Gaza Strip are opened, allowing for essential supplies like food and medicine. A source familiar with U.S. strategy indicated that the recent military actions are just the beginning of a sustained series of operations against the Houthis, which could unfold over days or weeks.
Trump has reiterated his administration's stance on the Houthis, having previously designated them as a “foreign terrorist organization.” He criticized the Biden administration’s approach as ineffective, allowing the Houthis to act with impunity. “It has been over a year since a U.S. flagged commercial ship safely sailed through critical waterways,” Trump noted, highlighting the risks posed by Houthi aggression.
In his message, Trump also directed a stern warning to Iran, which provides support to the Houthi rebels. “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY!” he asserted, cautioning against any threats to American interests. He emphasized that America would hold Iran accountable for any future actions that jeopardize American safety or global shipping lanes.
As the situation continues to develop, reports indicate at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries from recent attacks in the Yemeni capital, underscoring the conflict's human toll. With these military actions, the U.S. aims to restore security and stability in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors while addressing the broader implications of Iranian influence in the region.
