The U.S. and Houthi rebels have escalated tensions following U.S. airstrikes that killed dozens of individuals in Yemen. Both sides are prepared for further military actions, with the U.S. aiming to prevent Houthi control over shipping lanes. Iranian officials have denied involvement in Houthi attacks, while U.N. calls for restraint emphasize the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have both signaled intentions to escalate their actions following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on shipping vessels. Reportedly, airstrikes in Sanaa and other provinces resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including women and children, with nearly 100 individuals injured. The U.S. aims to prevent the Houthis from controlling maritime routes, as articulated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through…until they no longer have the capability to do that.”
President Donald Trump has pledged to utilize “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis halt their maritime aggressions, placing responsibility on Tehran for Houthi actions. The Houthis previously attacked shipping in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite a ceasefire, the Houthis expressed intentions to renew strikes against Israeli vessels following the blocking of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The recent U.S. airstrikes mark a significant escalation in military engagement since the Gaza conflict recommenced in October 2023. National security adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that the strikes targeted multiple Houthi leaders, although specific identities were not disclosed. The rebels’ leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, indicated a readiness to engage in counter-escalation through missile strikes against U.S. naval assets if aggression continues. Moreover, Houthi forces claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, responding to U.S. actions by launching drones and at least one missile, which were mostly intercepted.
In response to the escalating violence, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the necessity of restraint to mitigate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Rubio highlighted that Houthi assaults on U.S. Navy assets have surged, defining the conflict as the most severe combat experienced by the Navy since World War II.
Iranian officials, including Gen. Hossein Salami, denied any involvement in Houthi operations, insisting that Iran does not determine their operational policies. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi implored the U.S. to cease airstrikes and challenged American influence in Iran’s foreign relations. The U.S. has long alleged that Iran supplies military support to the Houthis, with evidence of seized weaponry pointing to Iranian origin. This recent operation demonstrates the U.S. military’s unilateral strategy against the Houthis and underscores the complexities of regional politics amid ongoing conflicts.
In summary, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Houthi rebels in Yemen highlight the complexities of military engagements in the region. With U.S. airstrikes causing significant casualties among the Houthis, both parties are poised for further conflict. The situation reflects not only the localized threats to maritime safety but also broader geopolitical tensions, including Iran’s role and influence over its allied groups. Immediate calls for restraint indicate the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to avert a deeper humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.kgns.tv
