The US has declared that its airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen will proceed indefinitely, following initial operations leading to 31 deaths and 100 injuries. The strikes, aimed at mitigating threats to Red Sea shipping, mark President Trump’s first military engagement since taking office. Defense and national security officials emphasized the intent to displace Houthi leadership while sending a strong signal to Iran. Despite significant civilian casualties, the US is poised to continue its military operations.
United States officials have announced that airstrikes against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement will continue indefinitely following initial attacks that resulted in at least 31 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries. The objective of these strikes is to penalize the Houthis for their assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, marking President Donald Trump’s inaugural use of military force in the region since taking office in January.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Fox News that operations will persist until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping, emphasizing the intent of these strikes to convey a robust stance against Iran in the Middle East. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz elaborated that the airstrikes successfully targeted and eliminated multiple Houthi leaders utilizing overwhelming force to signal a decisive warning to Iran.
President Trump issued a stern message to the Houthis through his Truth Social platform, declaring that their time was running out, and their assaults must cease immediately. He further urged Iran to discontinue its support for the Houthi fighters. Official photographs depicted Trump observing the airstrikes from a Florida location, while social media suggested his attendance at events in Palm Beach earlier that day.
The Houthis have asserted that their military actions are a show of solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas, which are also supported by Iran. Moreover, they have engaged in missile and drone strikes targeting Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict, with Israeli officials investigating a missile that struck near Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards characterized the Houthis as independent actors making their own strategic decisions, responding to US threats with a warning of potential consequences.
Iran condemned the US strikes, labeling them a violation of international law, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticizing the US’s interference in Iranian policy. In the meantime, Washington’s sanctions on Iran have intensified, as the US seeks to negotiate over the nation’s nuclear program, raising speculations about possible military actions against Iran after escalating pressures from Israel.
The Central Command of the US military designated Saturday’s strikes as the commencement of extensive operations throughout Yemen, employing bombers from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. Such operations may extend over several weeks, per Pentagon insights. The Houthis are identified as influential figures in Iran’s “axis of resistance” coalition, which has resisted significant adversities during recent conflicts.
Reports indicate that the majority of casualties from the US strikes were women and children, as per statements from the Houthi-run health ministry. The Houthi political bureau condemned the operations as war crimes and pledged to respond forcefully to further escalation, while local residents recounted the terrifying impact of the strikes on their community.
In contrast to previous tactics under the Biden administration that limited military actions, the Houthis recently announced a resumption of attacks on Israeli vessels following a period of calm since the Gaza ceasefire. Pentagon statistics reveal that the Houthis have executed 174 attacks on US warships and 145 on commercial vessels thus far in 2023.
In conclusion, the United States has embarked on indefinite airstrikes against the Houthi movement in Yemen as a response to their threats to maritime security. Officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, assert that these strikes aim to dismantle Houthi leadership and send a strong message to Iran. Despite international condemnation and the high civilian toll of the strikes, the US remains committed to its military actions, reflecting a significant shift in its approach towards Iran and regional stability.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
