Washington Targets Houthi Strongholds Amid Renewed Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
The United States has launched extensive airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea. The strikes, which hit multiple locations including the capital Sanaa and the rebel stronghold of Saada, killed at least 53 people, including women and children, according to Houthi officials.
The operation follows a renewed wave of Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels, which the rebels claim is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.S. and its allies view these attacks as a direct threat to global shipping and regional security.
Trump Promises ‘Overwhelming Lethal Force’
President Donald Trump has vowed to continue military action until the Houthis cease their operations.
“We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “It will go on until they no longer have the capability to do that.”
The strikes reportedly targeted key Houthi leadership figures and military infrastructure, according to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. However, the U.S. has yet to confirm the identities of those killed.
Houthis Threaten Retaliation Against U.S. Warships
Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi responded with a vow to escalate counterattacks, stating:
“We will respond to the American enemy… targeting its aircraft carrier, its warships, its ships.”
The rebels claimed to have launched drones and missiles at the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group. However, U.S. officials reported that all 11 drones and at least one missile were intercepted, with no damage sustained.
Iran Denies Involvement as UN Calls for Restraint
While the U.S. has long accused Iran of supplying weapons to the Houthis, Tehran denied involvement, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urging Washington to halt the airstrikes.
The United Nations called for “utmost restraint,” warning of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The country remains one of the poorest in the Arab world, with millions at risk due to ongoing conflict and food shortages.
What’s Next?
This is the first U.S. military operation against the Houthis under Trump’s second administration. With both sides vowing further action, tensions in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf region are expected to rise, potentially drawing in more regional players like Saudi Arabia and Israel.
As the situation unfolds, the global shipping industry remains on high alert, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis are ongoing.
Source: africanews