The United States has initiated a decisive wave of air strikes targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen, as announced by President Donald Trump. This military action comes in response to the armed group’s recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which have raised significant security concerns.
President Trump highlighted that the Houthis, who are funded by Iran, have engaged in aggressive actions, including firing missiles at US aircraft and directly targeting American troops and allies. He expressed his concerns on his Truth social platform, stating that the Houthis' "piracy, violence, and terrorism" have not only cost billions of dollars but have also put countless lives at risk.
According to the Houthi-run health ministry, the air strikes have resulted in at least 13 fatalities and nine injuries. The Houthis have declared that they would retaliate against the US strikes, blaming both the United States and the United Kingdom for what they describe as "wicked aggression" against residential areas in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. However, it is important to note that the UK is not involved in the recent military actions in Yemen.
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed rebel group, have been actively engaged in the conflict in Yemen and consider Israel a principal enemy. They currently control the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and significant portions of north-west Yemen, yet they are not recognized as the legitimate government of the country. Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on commercial vessels traversing the Red Sea.
President Trump emphasized that these attacks on shipping will not be tolerated, stating, "We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective." He pointed out that it has been over a year since a US-flagged vessel safely navigated through the Suez Canal, which connects to the Red Sea, and noted that it has been four months since a US warship has traversed this vital waterway.
The Suez Canal is critical as it represents the fastest maritime route between Asia and Europe, playing a significant role in the transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In a direct address to the Houthis, Trump warned that if their attacks do not cease, "HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE." Despite this strong warning, the Houthis remained steadfast in their position, asserting that their support for the Palestinian cause will not diminish and that they are prepared to escalate their military response.
The Houthis declared, "This aggression will not go without response, and our Yemeni armed forces are ready to answer escalation with further escalation." Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that Iran, the Houthis' benefactor, has been put on notice regarding its involvement in regional conflicts.
