US Strikes Yemen: Trump Warns Houthis and Iran, 31 Dead
In a significant escalation of military involvement, the United States has conducted widespread airstrikes against Houthi-held positions in Yemen, resulting in at least 31 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to Houthi health officials. The strikes hit multiple locations, including Yemen’s capital city Sanaa, the Houthi stronghold of Saada, and towns such as Al Bayda and Radaa.
Eyewitnesses reported severe damage and widespread panic, describing the intensity of the blasts as comparable to an earthquake. Residents expressed deep concern, particularly regarding the safety and psychological well-being of women and children impacted by these strikes.
Trump Issues Strong Warning to Houthis and Iran
President Donald Trump issued a severe and explicit warning to the Iran-aligned Houthi group following the airstrikes. Trump demanded an immediate cessation of all hostilities and attacks, specifically those threatening international shipping routes in the Red Sea region.
In a strongly worded social media statement, Trump cautioned the Houthis that if they continued their hostile actions, the US response would be unprecedentedly severe, implying dire consequences reminiscent of his aggressive rhetoric towards other adversaries. Trump declared unequivocally that the Houthis’ opportunity for de-escalation had come to an end.
The US President extended his warning directly to Iran, urging an immediate end to its alleged support for the Houthis. Trump’s message made clear that threats against Americans or global maritime commerce would trigger significant American retaliation, emphasizing his administration’s determination to ensure regional security.
Houthis Label US Action as War Crime
In response to the US attacks, the political bureau of the Houthi movement condemned the strikes, categorizing them as a “war crime.” The Houthis further warned that Yemen’s armed forces were fully prepared to respond forcefully, indicating a heightened potential for retaliation and further escalation in the region.
The recent strikes mark the first substantial US military action against the Houthis since Trump began his latest presidential term in January. The administration has also reclassified the Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organisation,” effectively prohibiting any US entities from interacting with or providing support to the group.
Iran Firmly Rejects US Warnings
Iran, meanwhile, responded swiftly to Trump’s allegations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the United States has no authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. Araqchi urged the US administration instead to halt its support for what he termed “Israeli genocide and terrorism,” simultaneously demanding an end to the violence against Yemeni civilians.
Maritime Security Concerns Intensify
Tensions have dramatically escalated in recent months as the Houthis intensified attacks on maritime vessels, including repeated assaults on US naval ships and international commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have justified their actions as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
Reportedly, Houthis have targeted US warships approximately 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023, significantly disrupting global maritime commerce.
Potential Implications and International Reactions
This renewed escalation in Yemen has attracted international attention, raising concerns of further regional instability. Trump’s firm stance signals a significant shift towards a more aggressive US military policy in the region, with potential ramifications not only for Yemen but also for US-Iranian relations and broader geopolitical stability.
As international diplomatic channels work overtime to de-escalate tensions, the situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the potential for further conflict high.
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