The United States has initiated a significant series of air strikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, as announced by President Donald Trump. This military action is a response to the group’s recent assaults on shipping activities in the Red Sea.
“Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies,” Trump posted on his Truth social platform.
According to reports from the Houthi-run health ministry, the attacks have resulted in a minimum of nine fatalities and nine injuries. The Houthis have stated their intent to persist with their operations, which they have increased in reaction to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Houthi attacks disrupt shipping
President Trump noted the alarming trend in maritime safety, emphasizing that no US-flagged vessels had navigated the Suez Canal safely for over a year. He also highlighted that it had been four months since a US warship traversed the strategic waters between West Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The President declared that these hostile actions “will not be tolerated” and pledged to use “overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective.”
Warnings to Iran and the Houthis
Addressing the Houthis directly, Trump issued a stern warning: “HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE” if they fail to cease their aggressions. In a related statement, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Iran, the Houthis’ primary supporter, is now “on notice.”
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed faction, have been escalating their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, particularly since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. They initially claimed to focus on ships connected to Israel; however, many vessels targeted have no ties to Israel, leading to significant disruptions in global shipping routes.
Major shipping companies have been compelled to avoid the Red Sea for over a year, opting instead for longer, less efficient routes around southern Africa, which impacts nearly 15% of global seaborne trade. President Trump has urged Iran to halt its backing of the Houthis, warning that the US “will hold you 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 aggressive activities.