U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he authorized targeted airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, escalating tensions in the region while issuing a stern warning to Iran. The strikes, conducted by the U.S. military, come in response to continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on international shipping lanes.
The Houthis, a militant group controlling large portions of Yemen, have been targeting military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. They claim their attacks are acts of solidarity with Palestinians, specifically in response to Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza. However, their assaults have impacted vessels with no direct connection to the conflict, causing significant disruption to global trade.
According to U.S. intelligence reports, the Houthis launched over 100 missile and drone strikes on merchant vessels, resulting in two ships being sunk and the deaths of four sailors. While many of their attacks were intercepted, others struck targets, including military ships from Western nations. Following a ceasefire in Gaza that took effect in mid-January, the Houthi assaults temporarily ceased. However, on Wednesday, the rebels declared they would resume attacks on “any Israeli vessel” after Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza.
“These relentless attacks have cost the U.S. and the world economy billions of dollars, while also endangering innocent lives,” Trump said in a social media statement on Saturday. “My administration will not allow this disruption to continue.”
The airstrikes, which were carried out by the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, included precision attacks on key Houthi military positions. A U.S. defense official confirmed that the mission was executed solely by American forces, unlike previous multinational strikes under the Biden administration.
The Houthi attacks on commercial shipping have severely impacted global supply chains, leading to increased costs for businesses and consumers. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s busiest trade routes, with billions of dollars in goods passing through daily. Any disruption poses a significant threat to economic stability.
Trump says strikes for international safety:
Trump emphasized that the strikes were not just about protecting U.S. interests but also about ensuring the safety of international trade. “We must restore freedom of navigation and deter further aggression,” he stated.
Iran has long been a supporter of the Houthis, providing them with weapons, training, and financial aid. U.S. officials argue that Tehran has played a significant role in escalating regional conflicts, not just in Yemen but also through its backing of Hamas and other militant groups.
In response to the latest developments, Trump warned Iran against further provocations. “We will hold Iran fully accountable for the actions of their proxies,” he declared, hinting at potential further military action if hostilities continue.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration reinstated the Houthis’ designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a move that enacts severe sanctions on individuals or entities supporting the group. The administration argues that this designation is necessary to cut off funding and supplies to the rebels and curb their influence.
Additionally, Trump has ramped up sanctions on Iran as part of his broader “maximum pressure” strategy, which aims to isolate the country economically. He has also reopened the door for nuclear negotiations but remains firm on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely to see how Iran and the Houthis will respond. While the U.S. airstrikes have temporarily weakened Houthi capabilities, experts caution that the conflict is far from over.
For now, Trump remains steadfast in his commitment to safeguarding American interests and global stability. “We will take whatever actions are necessary to protect our forces, our allies, and the free flow of commerce,” he reiterated.
The coming weeks will determine whether the strikes successfully deter further aggression or if they mark the beginning of an extended confrontation in the region.
