US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis

The United States has initiated a significant series of air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a move described by President Donald Trump as 'decisive and powerful. ' The President cited the Houthis' recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the primary reason for this military action. Trump took to social media to express his concerns, stating, 'Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft and targeted our troops and allies. ' He further emphasized that the group's 'piracy, violence, and terrorism' have resulted in substantial financial losses and endangered lives. According to the Houthi-run health ministry, the air strikes have resulted in at least 31 fatalities and 101 injuries. In response, the Houthis declared their intention to continue targeting Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza, and they vowed to retaliate against the strikes. Reports indicate that a series of explosions occurred on Saturday evening in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, and in Saada, a region that serves as a stronghold for the Houthis near the Saudi Arabian border. The Iranian-backed rebel group, which views Israel as its adversary, controls Sanaa and the northwestern part of Yemen, but it is not recognized as the legitimate government of the country. Unverified images have surfaced showing thick black smoke rising from the vicinity of Sanaa's airport, which houses a military facility. The Houthis have accused the US and the UK of conducting 'wicked' aggression against residential areas in Sanaa. While the UK did not participate in the air strikes, it provided routine refueling support for US operations. The Houthis have claimed that their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. They have often asserted, albeit inaccurately, that their attacks are directed solely at vessels associated with Israel, the US, or the UK. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden using missiles, drones, and small boat assaults. They have successfully sunk two vessels, captured a third, and resulted in the deaths of four crew members. Trump stated that such attacks 'will not be tolerated' and pledged to employ overwhelming force until the US achieves its objectives. The Houthis have shown no signs of being deterred by the deployment of Western warships aimed at protecting merchant vessels or by previous strikes on their military targets. Israel has also conducted air strikes against the Houthis since July, in retaliation for the 400 missiles and drones that the Israeli military claims have been launched from Yemen, most of which were intercepted. Major shipping companies have been compelled to cease operations in the Red Sea, a crucial route for global trade, and instead take a longer route around southern Africa. Trump noted that it has been over a year since a US-flagged ship has safely navigated through the Suez Canal, which connects to the Red Sea, and four months since a US warship has traversed the waters between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The Suez Canal is the fastest maritime route between Asia and Europe and plays a vital role in the transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas. Addressing the Houthis directly, Trump warned that if they do not cease their actions, 'HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE. ' Nevertheless, the Houthis remained resolute in their response, asserting that this aggression would not diminish their support for the Palestinian cause. They stated, 'This aggression will not go without response, and our Yemeni armed forces are ready to answer escalation with further escalation. ' Trump also urged Iran to halt its support for the Houthis, cautioning that Washington would hold Tehran 'fully accountable and we won't be nice about it. ' He criticized the previous administration under Joe Biden for being 'pathetically weak' and allowing the 'unrestrained Houthis' to continue their actions. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US government has 'no authority or business dictating Iranian foreign policy. ' He called for an end to support for what he termed 'Israeli genocide and terrorism' and urged the US to stop the killing of Yemeni people. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed military deterrence operations against the Houthis during a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Rubio emphasized that 'continued Houthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated,' according to a State Department spokesperson. Lavrov, for his part, stressed the need for 'an immediate cessation of the use of force' and the importance of all parties engaging in political dialogue to find a solution that would prevent further bloodshed.