Trump Authorizes Military Strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, At Least 31 Casualties

President Trump ordered military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, leading to over 31 fatalities due to their attacks on Red Sea shipping. The campaign aims to compel Iran to cease support for the Houthis, with commitments to aggressive U.S. military operations as tensions rise over regional security and Iran’s nuclear program.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump authorized extensive military strikes on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis in response to their aggressive actions against shipping in the Red Sea. This initial wave of strikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, with the operation anticipated to extend over several days. Notably, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding an immediate cessation of support for the Houthis, asserting, “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”

In reaction, Hossein Salami, the Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, characterized the Houthis as independent actors capable of making their own strategic decisions. He issued warnings to adversaries, emphasizing, “Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action.” This operation marks the most significant U.S. military engagement in the Middle East under Trump’s administration since he assumed office.

The strikes followed a rise in U.S. sanctions against Iran, aimed at bringing Tehran to the negotiating table regarding its nuclear ambitions. Trump informed the Houthis through his social media platform, stating, “YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”

Health officials reported that the strikes resulted in 31 deaths and over 100 injuries, primarily affecting women and children. The Houthi leadership condemned the attacks, labeling them a “war crime” and asserting their readiness to respond to the escalations. Residents described the strikes as devastating, with explosions perceived as powerful enough to shake buildings in nearby neighborhoods.

Reports indicated that U.S. military targets included Houthi installations in sites such as Taiz, along with a power station in Saada, leading to widespread blackouts. The Houthis have conducted numerous assaults on vessels off Yemen’s coast, raising serious concerns over international maritime security.

The Pentagon highlighted that there have been 174 attacks on U.S. warships and 145 on commercial vessels by the Houthis since 2023. The Houthis justified their actions as solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In contrast to previous U.S. approaches under President Biden, Trump has adopted a more aggressive policy towards the Houthis.

Saturday’s operations were executed by U.S. fighter jets from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier positioned in the Red Sea. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed a non-tolerant stance against Houthi assaults, warning Iran, the Houthis’ principal ally, to heed the message. In response, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes as violations of international law and asserted that the U.S. should refrain from interfering in Iran’s foreign policy.

U.S. military actions followed a recent communication from Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing negotiations regarding the nuclear program, which was subsequently rejected by Khamenei. Additionally, the Houthis indicated a resumption of attacks on Israeli shipping lanes, reigniting tensions in the region.

Concurrently, U.S. officials noted that Iran’s uranium enrichment is rapidly intensifying, nearing levels suitable for nuclear weapon development. In a related diplomatic effort, Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about U.S. operations in Yemen, as Russia continues to leverage Iranian weaponry in its conflict with Ukraine.

The recent military operations led by President Trump against Yemen’s Houthis signify a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting a shift towards more aggressive military engagement in the Middle East. The strikes resulted in significant casualties and elicited strong responses from both Iranian officials and the Houthi leadership, indicating escalating tensions in the region. As U.S. engagements continue alongside diplomatic maneuvers regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations, the potential for further conflict remains high, emphasizing the need for ongoing scrutiny of these developments.

Original Source: www.cnbc.com