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Trump Orders Airstrikes Against Houthi Rebels in Yemen
In a decisive move, Donald Trump announced the initiation of airstrikes targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, asserting an intent to employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iranian-supported group halts its assaults on maritime traffic in a crucial shipping corridor.
Reports from the Houthis indicated multiple explosions within their territory on Saturday evening. Various online images depicted significant columns of black smoke rising from the Sana’a airport complex, which hosts a large military facility. However, the full extent of the damage remains unconfirmed.
In a social media statement, Trump remarked, “Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom.” He emphasized, “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
Additionally, Trump issued a warning to Iran, demanding an end to its support for the Houthis and asserting that the nation would be held “fully accountable” for its proxy’s actions.
The airstrikes followed the Houthis’ announcement of a renewed offensive on Israeli vessels operating near Yemen in response to the ongoing blockade of Gaza. To date, there have been no reported Houthi strikes since that announcement.
According to the Houthi-controlled health ministry, the strikes on Sana’a resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians and injuries to nine others. In another incident, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported civilian casualties from U.S. actions in the northern province of Sa’ada, where six individuals, including four children and one woman, were killed, and 11 were injured.
The Houthis have previously targeted over 100 commercial vessels, utilizing missiles and drones, sinking two ships, and resulting in the deaths of four sailors amidst their operations against military and civilian maritime vessels since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in late 2023, which saw a temporary ceasefire come into effect in January.
As they confront ongoing economic difficulties, the Houthis’ aggressive military actions have garnered increased attention, taking place alongside a crackdown on dissent and aid workers amidst Yemen’s prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Historically, the U.S., Israel, and Britain have conducted strikes on Houthi-held territories in Yemen, with no comments made by the Israeli military regarding the recent developments. The Houthi media office claimed that the U.S. attacks affected “a residential neighborhood” in Sana’a’s northern Shouab district.
U.S. officials have confirmed that the operation was solely conducted by American forces. It marks the first instance of strikes against the Houthis during Trump’s second term and follows a period of decreased military action in the region.
Notably, the Biden administration previously engaged in similar wide-ranging missile strikes in response to the Houthis’ consistent attacks on shipping interests.
The USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group, which comprises the aircraft carrier, three navy destroyers, and a cruiser, was present in the Red Sea as part of the mission. The USS Georgia missile submarine has also been active in the area.
Trump made the announcement while at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, stating, “These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk.”
Source
www.theguardian.com