President Donald Trump has announced a “decisive” military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in the US response to the Iran-backed group’s attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The strikes, which targeted Houthi bases, leaders, and missile defenses, have reportedly killed at least 31 people and injured 101 others, according to a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that the US would deploy “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis until its objectives are achieved. He accused the group of waging “an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism” against American and international ships, aircraft, and drones. The president emphasized that the strikes were intended to protect American commercial and naval assets and restore freedom of navigation in global waterways.
“No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World,” Trump wrote. He also issued a stern warning to Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer, demanding that it “immediately” cease its support for the group. Trump added that any threats from Iran against the American people or their president would be met with full accountability, stating, “We won’t be nice about it!”
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded sharply on social media, asserting that the US has no authority to dictate Iranian foreign policy. He called on the US to “end support for Israeli genocide and terrorism” and to stop the killing of Yemeni people.
The US strikes targeted multiple locations in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada. In Saada, a power station in the city of Dahyan was hit, causing widespread power outages. Additional strikes were reported in the southwestern city of Taiz, where Houthi military sites were attacked.
The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV condemned the US actions, with health ministry spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi calling the strikes a “criminal escalation” that would only strengthen the resolve of the Yemeni people to support Gaza and resistance efforts.
Trump approved the strike plan several weeks ago, and the final order was given on Saturday, initiating what officials describe as a sustained campaign against the Houthis. The operation is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with further actions contingent on battle damage assessments from the initial strikes. A senior military official noted that the US had completed the necessary intelligence collection to carry out broader attacks against the Houthis.
The White House briefed some members of Congress on the operation on Saturday, signaling the administration’s commitment to addressing the threat posed by the Houthis. The strikes represent a significant shift in US strategy, as the Biden administration had previously focused on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
The conflict in Yemen has drawn international attention, with the Houthis frequently targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. The group has framed its actions as a response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader regional tensions. The US military intervention underscores the growing concern over the Houthis’ capabilities and their impact on global shipping routes.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely watching the US-led campaign and its implications for regional stability.
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