President Trump declared that the Houthis in Yemen would be “annihilated” by U.S. military strikes, urging Iran to stop aiding them. The U.S. military has intensified its operations against Houthi targets to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea amid ongoing threats from the group allied with Hamas. Defense officials support this strategy, citing numerous attacks by the Houthis on American and commercial vessels.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump proclaimed that the Iran-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen would face “complete annihilation” from U.S. military action. He emphasized the need for Iran to cease its support for the group and suggested that the Houthis should “fight it out themselves.” This statement coincided with ongoing U.S. military operations targeting Houthi installations to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The President noted, “Tremendous damage has been inflicted” during these military strikes, which began over the weekend. He further asserted, “Watch how it will get progressively worse. It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!” The U.S. Central Command shared a clip of air operations where American fighter jets engaged and destroyed Houthi attack drones.
The Houthis have recently focused their actions on Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, aligning with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran. Following a January cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis suspended their operations but threatened to resume attacks amid stalled negotiations and humanitarian blockages in Gaza.
In conclusion, President Trump’s declarations regarding the Houthis in Yemen highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, with U.S. military strikes aimed at curtailing threats to navigation in the Red Sea. The administration’s approach reflects a broader strategy towards Iran and its affiliate groups, signaling a firm stance against activities perceived as violent and destabilizing. The recent military actions and corresponding rhetoric underscore the high stakes and complex dynamics in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
