U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered airstrikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, resulting in civilian casualties. The U.S. aims to counter Houthi attacks on shipping routes while holding Iran accountable for its support of the group. The Houthis remain defiant, pledging to retaliate against U.S. actions.
On Saturday, United States President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen, resulting in reports of at least 18 civilian fatalities. The Houthis claimed that these strikes targeted residential areas and strongholds, particularly in the capital city of Sanaa and the northern province of Saada. Trump emphasized the use of “overwhelming lethal force” to counter the Houthis’ assaults on maritime shipping routes, underlining the need to ensure navigational freedom in global waters.
Trump stated, “Our brave war fighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases…to protect American shipping.” He asserted that no terrorist faction would impede American vessels from navigating freely through international waters. Additionally, he issued a stark warning to Iran regarding its support of the Houthis, pledging to hold the nation “fully accountable” for its actions related to proxy warfare.
This military operation follows a recent letter from Trump to Iranian authorities, proposing to reinstate diplomatic discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear advancements. Reports from the Houthis indicated that the airstrikes also impacted Sanaa airport, which has a significant military presence, as well as regions in Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. Casualties included 13 individuals in Sanaa and five in Saada, with many others injured.
Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of the Houthi media office, remarked that such airstrikes would not deter their resolve, declaring that Sanaa would continue to support Gaza amid ongoing challenges. The timing of the strikes coincides with the Houthis’ earlier threats to target Israeli vessels in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Before this, the Houthis had been engaged in a campaign against civilian and military shipping, garnering attention for their increased aggressive actions amidst Yemen’s prolonged conflict and economic instability.
In summary, the recent airstrikes ordered by President Trump mark a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in Yemen. The Houthis have reported substantial civilian casualties and highlighted their resolve to retaliate. Moreover, the broader context of U.S.-Iran relations, particularly concerning support for the Houthis and nuclear negotiations, remains critical as tensions rise in the region.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
