The U.S. has launched airstrikes in Yemen targeting senior Houthi leaders, a tactical shift from previous strategies under the Biden administration. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz indicated these actions illustrate a decisive response to Houthi aggression and Iran’s involvement. The military operations aim to secure maritime trade in the Red Sea. The Houthis have vowed to retaliate, refusing to halt support for Palestine despite U.S. pressure.
U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced that several senior leaders of the Houthi terror group were killed in recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, although the exact number remains unspecified. Previous reports suggest that as many as six senior officials may have died, but these claims have yet to be verified independently. Additionally, Waltz noted that the strikes represent a substantial escalation compared to previous actions taken under the Biden administration, which he deemed inadequate.
Waltz emphasized that the operations symbolize a decisive response to the Houthi’s hostile actions, particularly their disruption of maritime trade routes in the Red Sea, which have been supported by Iran. He stated, “Iran should hear clearly” that its assistance to the Houthis must cease immediately, while also highlighting a potential for future strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities due to ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that U.S. strikes would persist until the Houthi threat to shipping lanes is entirely neutralized, declaring, “This will continue until they say, ‘We’re done shooting at ships.’” He reiterated that the assistance to Houthis was primarily aimed at safeguarding international maritime routes rather than intervening in Yemen’s civil war.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that there are no current plans for a U.S. ground operation, reinforcing that the air campaign will maintain pressure on the Houthis until they abandon their capacity to target international shipping. The aerial assaults commenced on Saturday night, focusing on Houthi-controlled zones, including Sanaa, and targeted military assets linked to Houthi leadership.
Reports from Arab media indicated that the Houthis faced significant casualties, with claims of at least 31 fatalities, including civilians. As a counter to the U.S. actions, the Houthis vowed to continue their support for Palestine and threatened retaliation against international shipping. Notably, following the airstrikes, there are reports of Houthi leaders relocating to evade potential U.S. targeting.
The Houthis, while maintaining that they would not falter in their commitment to Palestine, issued statements claiming that U.S. actions have provoked further threats to Red Sea shipping routes. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi leader, remarked that the strikes would not deter their objectives and warned of forthcoming retaliation.
President Trump, who announced the strikes on social media, characterized the Houthi attacks on American vessels as intolerable and declared that “overwhelming lethal force” would be employed to achieve U.S. objectives. He criticized the previous administration’s response as insufficient while delivering stern warnings to both the Houthis and Iran for their roles in the ongoing conflict.
The U.S. airstrikes against Houthi leaders mark a significant escalation in American military involvement in Yemen, primarily aimed at protecting maritime trade routes. The actions undertaken by the Trump administration are designed to deter Iranian support for the Houthis and ensure the safety of international shipping. As the strikes continue, both the Houthis and Iran react with threats of retaliation and emphasize their ongoing commitment to support Palestine, highlighting the potential for further conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
