US President Donald Trump has authorized a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, stating he will employ “overwhelming lethal force” until this Iran-backed group ceases its assaults on shipping in a vital maritime corridor.
“Today, I have directed the United States Military to initiate powerful military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have been conducting a relentless campaign of piracy, violence, and terror against American ships, aircraft, and drones,” Trump declared in a post on Truth Social.
He conveyed a stern message to the Houthis, saying, “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST CEASE IMMEDIATELY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL DESCEND UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED!”
These strikes come in light of heightened tensions, with Trump attributing blame to the Biden administration for not adequately deterring the Houthis.
“Joe Biden’s reaction was feeble, so the unchecked Houthis kept escalating,” he remarked. “It has now been more than a year since an American-flagged commercial ship has safely traversed the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden,” he added.
Trump emphasized that the airstrikes were crucial to restore maritime security and uphold international trade. “The Houthi aggression toward American vessels will not be tolerated. We will apply overwhelming lethal force until we accomplish our objectives,” he continued, stating that, “The Houthis have obstructed shipping in one of the world’s most vital waterways, bringing substantial portions of global commerce to a standstill.”
The Houthis reported multiple explosions within their territory, and online images displayed black smoke rising over the Sanaa airport complex, which houses a military facility. The exact extent of the damage remains uncertain.
Houthi media claims that the US strikes impacted a residential district in Sanaa’s northern Shouab area. Residents recounted at least four explosions occurring in the Eastern Geraf region, with one witness describing it as “akin to an earthquake.”
This mission was executed exclusively by US forces, representing the inaugural strike on the Yemen-based Houthis during Trump’s second term. Previous US strikes, including those under the Biden administration, involved coordination with allies such as Britain and Israel.
Trump issued a cautionary statement to Iran, asserting that its backing of the Houthis must cease. “To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, nor their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or the global shipping lanes,” he warned. “If you do, BEWARE, for America will hold you completely accountable, and we won’t be lenient!”
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, comprising a carrier, three Navy destroyers, and a cruiser, was engaged in the operation. The USS Georgia, a cruise missile submarine, has also been conducting operations in the area.
Trump made the airstrike announcement while spending the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. “Our courageous Warfighters are currently executing aerial operations against the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to safeguard American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” he stated.
“No terrorist group will impede American commercial and naval vessels from navigating freely in the world’s waterways,” he concluded.
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