US Military Strikes in Yemen: Key Developments and Reactions

The US has conducted military strikes in Yemen, resulting in 24 deaths including civilians. President Trump has warned the Iran-backed Houthis and reclassified them as a terrorist group. He demanded that Iran cease its support for the Houthis, highlighting the threat to maritime security in the region.

Recent US military operations in Yemen have resulted in the casualties of at least 24 individuals, including 13 civilians in the capital, Sanaa, and 11 others, among them four children and one woman, in Saada, a Houthi stronghold. These strikes, described by the Houthis as “war crimes”, mark a significant escalation in US involvement in the region since President Donald Trump took office. Trump has made clear the US commitment to respond forcefully to Houthi threats against maritime security in the Red Sea.

President Trump has explicitly warned Iran to cease its support of the Houthis, asserting that failure to do so would result in severe repercussions for both groups. In a statement posted on social media, Trump proclaimed, “YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY.” He emphasized the United States’ stance of using overwhelming force to achieve its objectives against the Houthis.

Additionally, the Trump administration has reclassified the Houthis, who have gained significant control over Yemen, as a “foreign terrorist organisation”. This designation allows for a ban on US interactions with the group. The Houthis have conducted various attacks on vessels off their coast, claiming these actions are in support of the Palestinian cause amid the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to significant disruptions in global maritime trade.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has rejected Trump’s assertions, stating that the US lacks the authority to dictate Iranian policies and calling for an end to the perceived violence against the Yemeni people. The Houthis have escalated their military actions, reportedly attacking US warships and commercial vessels multiple times this year.

In summary, the recent US strikes in Yemen symbolize a sharp escalation in military efforts against the Iranian-aligned Houthi group, resulting in notable civilian casualties. President Trump’s stern warnings emphasize the US commitment to protecting maritime interests and hold Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis. The reclassification of the Houthis as a terrorist organization further restricts US engagement while intensifying the ongoing conflict in Yemen and its implications for global security.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com