U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have reportedly eliminated senior Houthi leaders, marking a significant escalation in response to Houthi aggression on maritime routes. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized holding Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis. The U.S. strikes will continue until Houthi threats are neutralized, reiterating the approach differences from the previous administration. The Houthis have warned of retaliation, indicating potential regional escalation.
On Sunday, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced the elimination of senior Houthi leaders in airstrikes in Yemen, although he did not specify the number of casualties. Initial reports suggested that six leaders were killed, but this has yet to be independently confirmed. The focus of these attacks marks a notable escalation compared to previous military operations, reflecting a decisive response to Houthi aggression.
Waltz characterized the airstrikes as the most extensive to date, contrasting them with the limited responses under the Biden administration. He emphasized a significant shift in strategy, asserting the necessity of holding Iran responsible for its support to the Houthis, which has disrupted maritime trade routes in the area amid ongoing tensions due to the conflict in Gaza.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that strikes would persist until the Houthi threat to international shipping is neutralized, stating, “This will continue until they say, ‘We’re done shooting at ships.’” Moreover, both Hegseth and Waltz clarified that these military actions do not aim to intervene in Yemen’s civil war but strictly focus on maritime security.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that there is no current consideration of a ground operation in Yemen, reiterating the necessity of continued airstrikes to incapacitate the Houthis. The U.S. offensive commenced with multiple strikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas, and reports indicate ongoing operations are set to last for days or weeks.
The Wall Street Journal outlined the objectives of the U.S. air campaign as the destruction of Houthi missile launchers, the elimination of leadership, and a clear message to Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions. Despite these strikes, the Houthis maintain their commitment to support Palestine and have threatened retaliation, indicating that regional tensions may escalate further.
As a precaution, the Houthis have ordered their leaders to evacuate their residences and relocate for security reasons. Following the strikes, they claimed that U.S. actions pose a significant threat to maritime routes and signaled their intention to escalate attacks on commercial shipping if provoked.
President Donald Trump authorized the operation, condemning the Houthis for their aggression towards American vessels and pledging overwhelming force if necessary. He warned Iran to cease its support for the terrorist group, declaring that failure to comply would lead to severe consequences for both the Houthis and Tehran.
In conclusion, the recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen targeting senior Houthi leaders signify a significant escalation in military operations, reflecting a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy. The strikes aim to diminish the Houthi threat to international shipping while holding Iran accountable for its support of the group. As tensions rise, both regional stability and maritime security remain critical concerns, further complicated by the Houthis’ threats of retaliation and continued support for Palestine.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
