Secretary of State Marco Rubio Advocates for Airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are essential for global shipping security. Trump has vowed to use overwhelming force until attacks cease. The campaign aims for long-term operational degradation of the Houthis, as they have threatened shipping routes and conducted numerous attacks against vessels.

On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are crucial for global safety, emphasizing their aim to hinder the rebels from targeting maritime shipping and U.S. military forces. “We are doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping,” stated Rubio during an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”

President Trump announced these airstrikes, asserting that the U.S. would employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes via social media, indicating that the operation could last for weeks depending on the Houthis’ and Iran’s responses. Earlier this year, Trump reclassified the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a designation previously rescinded by President Biden due to humanitarian concerns, although the group has since been labeled a “Specially Designated Global Terror Group.”

The airstrikes were prompted by the Houthis’ ongoing disruption of critical shipping routes in the Red Sea, including their announced intention to target Israeli ships due to blockage of aid to Gaza. Rubio clarified that these strikes differ from previous retaliatory actions taken by the Biden administration, characterizing them as a sustained effort rather than a one-time message. “This is an effort to deny them the ability to continue to constrict and control shipping,” he asserted.

Rubio noted that the Houthis have conducted numerous attacks on naval and commercial vessels, describing them as a “band of pirates” leveraging advanced weaponry. He firmly stated that the ongoing campaign would persist until the Houthis can no longer pose a threat. While discussing the campaign’s duration, Rubio mentioned that there is currently no plan for ground raids, and some of the key individuals involved in attacks have already been eliminated, along with their operational facilities.

“We’re not going to have people sitting around with the missiles attacking the U.S. Navy. It’s not going to happen. Not under President Trump,” Rubio concluded, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of U.S. naval forces and global shipping interests.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has underscored the importance of U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi rebels, framing them as vital for global shipping safety. The campaign aims to dismantle the Houthis’ operational capabilities, with ongoing efforts expected until the group can no longer threaten U.S. interests. Rubio’s statements reflect a decisive stance on U.S. military engagement in the region, indicating a shift towards sustained operations rather than temporary retaliations.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com